Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Carnivora · Herpestidae
About
The meerkat or suricate is a small mongoose found in southern Africa. It is characterised by a broad head, large eyes, a pointed snout, long legs, a thin tapering tail, and a brindled coat pattern. The head-and-body length is around 24–35 cm (9.4–13.8 in), and the weight is typically between 0.62 and 0.97 kg. The coat is light grey to yellowish-brown with alternate, poorly defined light and dark bands on the back. Meerkats have foreclaws adapted for digging and have the ability to thermoregulate to survive in their harsh, dry habitat. Three subspecies are recognised.
Fun Fact
Meerkats have specialised sentinel behaviour — one individual stands guard on its hind legs while the group forages, giving specific alarm calls for aerial predators (eagles) versus ground predators (jackals).
Quick Facts
Habitat
Arid grasslands and deserts
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
6-10 years
Threats
- Overgrazing
- Agricultural Conversion