'TV Animal Farm' Features Endangered Savannah Cat: "Cannot Be Kept by Individuals"

On the 6th, the identity of the Savannah cat hunting stray cats was revealed on SBS's educational program 'TV Animal Farm.'
/Photo by SBS 'TV Animal Farm' broadcast screen capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seul-gi] The identity of the Savannah cat hunting stray cats has been revealed.

On the 6th, the SBS educational program 'TV Animal Farm' featured a report that the endangered Savannah cat has been hunting stray cats.

The informant explained to Animal Farm, "I reported this to prevent cat casualties. Just a moment ago, it chased a cheese-colored cat and then disappeared. I also heard a sharp 'uaang' sound."

They added, "I witnessed the hunting scene; it was an adult cat, not a kitten, yet it was dragged on the ground. Still, it carried it in one bite. Anyone could see it was targeting prey."

Local residents expressed fear, saying, "Damage to chickens, rabbits, and others continues."

In response, the Animal Farm production team installed observation cameras and requested capture assistance from Animal Freedom Union. The Animal Freedom Union set up a trap containing feed and rescued the Savannah cat. Subsequent detailed examinations identified the Savannah cat as F1, F2 (first and second-generation offspring of a Serval cat).

Shim Yong-ju, director of the Cat Research Institute, stated, "'Leptailurus serval,' commonly known in English as the 'African Savannah cat,' is presumed to be a small to medium-sized feline native to the sub-Saharan region of Africa."

He added, "They are crossbred with domestic cats and raised as pets under the name 'Savannah cat.' However, private individuals are strictly prohibited from breeding them. They are controlled under the international agreement on endangered species trade, known as 'CITES.'"