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Meerkats
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Suricata
suricatta
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Southern
Africa
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Measurements
Length:
450 to 550 mm
Weight: 600 950 grammes
Diet
Insects and other invertebrates - especially scorpions. Will also eat reptiles and birds.Identification
Members of the mongoose family - also called suricate.Grey/fawn body colouring with faint darker stripes running down the back. Dark patches around the eyes which make them appear larger than they actually are - which act like sunglasses.
They frequently stand on their hind legs to observe the surroundings.
Behaviour
Daytime active - they live in family groups of up to 40 members. They dig warrens which they sometimes share with other burrowing species such as yellow mongoose and ground squirrels. Often stand guard on the look out for predators by standing on their hind legs from a vantage point to obtain the best view.
Distribution & Habitat
Open/arid grasslands of southern Africa.Reproduction
Gestation: 75 daysNo young: 1 to 5
'Aunties' may baby sit young whilst dominant female is away from the warren.
Conservation
Numbers have been reported to be declining but not classified as threatened at present.