The spotted ghost: Density and distribution of serval Leptailurus serval in Namibia
Despite its IUCN Red List status as "least concern," relatively few studies have been conducted on serval Leptailurus serval. Within Namibia, serval are detected infrequently, even during prolonged camera trapping surveys, which has been suggested as indicative of low density. Such populations are vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation; therefore, quantifying serval population density and distribution within Namibia is an important first step in establishing conservation needs. We present the first density estimates of serval for Namibia, from Khaudum National Park and the Mudumu North Complex (MNC). Using Bayesian spatial capture–recapture models, density was estimated at 1.28 serval/100 km² (± 0.23, 0.82–1.56) for Khaudum and 0.63 serval/100 km² (± 0.51, 0.38–0.90) for the MNC; the lowest serval densities published to date. Photographic records from the two surveys, along with an additional 10 records from MNC captured outside of the survey period and two new records from north-central Namibia were used to update the Namibian distribution map. This resulted in the highest probability of occurrence along the north-eastern borders. Such results imply Namibia hosts a low-density, geographically limited population, potentially vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and other environmental impacts, and therefore requires careful management to ensure its persistence.
African Journal of Ecology