All comparisons

African Lion vs Serval

How does the African Lion compare to the Serval? They are both members of the Felidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.

African Lion
Serval

Side-by-side comparison

African Lion
Serval
Scientific name
Panthera leo
Leptailurus serval
Classification
Mammal
Mammal
Family
Felidae
Felidae
Habitat
Savanna
Savanna
Diet
Carnivore
Carnivore
Conservation status
Vulnerable
Least Concern
Lifespan
8-15 years in the wild
10-12 years in the wild, up to 20 years in captivity
Weight
120–250 kg (265–550 lbs)
8–18 kg (18–40 lbs)

African Lion vs Serval: who would win?

African Lion

African Lion

120–250 kg (265–550 lbs)

VS
Serval

Serval

8–18 kg (18–40 lbs)

African Lion wins high confidence

African Lion is substantially heavier (120–250 kg (265–550 lbs) vs 8–18 kg (18–40 lbs)). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

Similarities

  • Both are mammals.
  • Both belong to the Felidae family.
  • Both live in savanna.
  • Both have a carnivore diet.

Differences

  • Conservation: Vulnerable vs Least Concern.
  • Weight: 120–250 kg (265–550 lbs) vs 8–18 kg (18–40 lbs).

African Lion vs Serval: FAQ

Who would win in a fight, a African Lion or a Serval?

African Lion wins. African Lion is substantially heavier (120–250 kg (265–550 lbs) vs 8–18 kg (18–40 lbs)). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

What is the difference between a African Lion and a Serval?

African Lion and Serval differ in several ways — conservation: vulnerable vs least concern. weight: 120–250 kg (265–550 lbs) vs 8–18 kg (18–40 lbs).

Do African Lion and Serval live in the same habitat?

Yes — both African Lion and Serval are found in savanna.

What do African Lion and Serval eat?

Both African Lion and Serval have a carnivore diet.

Which is more endangered, the African Lion or the Serval?

African Lion is listed as Vulnerable, while Serval is listed as Least Concern.

How big are African Lion and Serval?

African Lion weighs around 120–250 kg (265–550 lbs), while Serval weighs around 8–18 kg (18–40 lbs).

African Lion

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African Lion

Serval

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Serval