📷 (c) Peter Archdale, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY
📷 (c) Jakob Horz, some rights reserved (CC BY)
📷 (c) Christiaan Viljoen, some rights reserved (CC BY)
IUCN: Least Concern
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta
KingdomAnimalia›PhylumChordata›ClassMammalia›OrderCarnivora›FamilyHerpestidae›GenusSuricata
About
The meerkat is a small mongoose that lives in cooperative mobs with complex burrow systems. Group members take turns standing sentry while others forage, giving alarm calls for eagles, jackals, and snakes. Their social teamwork helps them survive harsh desert conditions and raise pups communally.
Key Facts
⛰Habitat Open dry plains, savanna, and semi-desert scrub
🍃Diet Insects, scorpions, spiders, small reptiles, eggs, and roots
📏Size & Weight Body 24–35 cm; tail 17–25 cm
•weight 0.6–1 kg
⏳Lifespan 6–10 years wild
🗺Range Southern Africa, especially the Kalahari and Namib regions
MammalMongoose
Key Facts
⛰Habitat Open dry plains, savanna, and semi-desert scrub
🍃Diet Insects, scorpions, spiders, small reptiles, eggs, and roots
📏Size & Weight Body 24–35 cm; tail 17–25 cm
•weight 0.6–1 kg
⏳Lifespan 6–10 years wild
🗺Range Southern Africa, especially the Kalahari and Namib regions
Photo Credits
#1(c) Peter Archdale, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY
#2(c) Jakob Horz, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY
#3(c) Christiaan Viljoen, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY
Related Species
