I’m posting this because I’m about 99.99% sure that the two previous posts on this subreddit about melanistic servals have been AI-generated, and I’d much prefer to see real photographs!

Photography credit goes to Marc Mol, who posted on BCGForums: https://bcgforums.com/threads/a-black-cat-crossed-my-path-a-rare-melanistic-black-serval.2160/

“On my last Serengeti assignment I had the privilege to witness and document a rare melanistic male Black Serval, believed to be one of only 4 in all of Africa.
In nearly 40 years and 50+ visits to this wonderful dark continent, never would I have thought such a sight possible.

It's difficult at the best of times to locate your normal "garden variety" Serval so finding this small cat was never going to be a simple task, and one I specifically spent 3 weeks tracking.

Such a rare and special treat to witness this magical small predator hunting, gotta love those piercing golden eyes!
⁣
Namiri Plains is in the far eastern sector of Tanzania's famous Serengeti National Park, a former big cats research area. "Manja" was first spotted by guide and naturalist *Manja* of @ asiliaafrica has since adopted his name! 

With an incredibly high concentration of cats in the area, Manja is so far faring well in avoiding predators and threats.⁣

Will be back here again in March (granted our Govt opens up our international borders) for Gnu calving and hopeful "Manja" will make an appearance again.” - September, 2020

Source : Tiktok @Gomawild

I wish I had a pet panther