Family Herpestidae
Meerkat
Suricata suricatta Least Concern
About
A Meerkat 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. They typically live in groups of up to 25 animals but communities may get as large as 40 individuals. They are unusual as they depend on each other for survival.
Classification trail
Habitat
Meerkats live primarily in rocky grassland, scrub and desert. They are diurnal (active during the day) and at night live in burrows, which are complex tunnel systems consisting of mounds, access holes and tunnels which lead to numerous sleeping chambers.
Diet
Bulbous roots constitute a large part of their diet but they also dig up grubs, catch locusts and other insects. They may also eat reptiles, small mammals, birds and eggs.
Lifespan
Meerkats live up to 10 years in the wild but up to 15 in captivity.
Size / weight
Meerkats usually weigh between 750g and 1kg. They can stand up to 30cm tall when standing on their back legs.
Interesting facts
They are immune to a scorpion sting that could kill a small child and have been observed teaching their young how to bite the sting from a scorpion’s tail.
Geographic range
Biological distribution from the active IUCN spatial assessment.
Photos
Places to see this animal
Farm Park
Little Owl Farm Park
A family run, education farm, offering a fun packed and educational day out!
Safari Park
West Midlands Safari Park
West Midlands Safari Park is a fantastic, award-winning visitor attraction, located in the heart of England.