Caracal and serval habitat use and activity patterns in Serengeti national park

The ecology of small to medium-sized wild cats is poorly known to science despite their role in the ecosystem. In Serengeti National Park, large cats coexist with medium-sized felids. However, medium-sized cats are less studied compared to their large counterparts in this ecosystem. Caracals and servals are medium-sized cats inhabiting Serengeti National Park and are known to be active at night, which complicates their regular monitoring. This study used more than 200 camera traps stationed across 1250 km2 in the central part of Serengeti National Park, covering four types of habitats (woodland, wooded grassland, bushland and grassland). Cameras functioned on daily basis including night time for about two years. Locations, dates and time of day for detected caracals and servals were used to determine their habitat use and activity patterns. Caracals preferred wooded grassland habitats while servals preferred grassland habitats. Servals were also observed in open habitats where trees were further apart and their occupancy was not influenced by distance to rivers. Caracals and servals were more active at night than during the day although there was seasonal variation in their peak active times. During the dry season, caracals and servals were highly active after midnight, while during the wet season their activities peaked after sunset. The observed seasonal variation in activity patterns suggests the potential for weather change to affect serval and caracal behaviours in ways not previously reported. This study has implications for understanding animal activity patterns across species, particularly in relation to weather changes. Identified habitat and activity patterns of caracals and servals in Serengeti National Park provide important basic ecological information and are a substantial starting point toward effective conservation.