Where are Meerkat found in the wild?

In the heart of Africa, you can spot these lively creatures among the arid deserts and open grasslands. Meerkats thrive in burrows, where they dig homes to shield themselves from the harsh sun and keep cool while enjoying the delights of their habitat.

"Meerkats - 50885958857" by Martin Pettitt is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Meerkat

Unearth the playful secrets of the desert's tiny guardians!

"Meerkats - 50885958857" by Martin Pettitt is licensed under CC BY 2.0

The Basics

Scientific Name

Suricata suricatta

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Location

Africa

Average size

10 to 14 inches long

diet

Insects, lizards, birds

lifespan

12 to 14 years

Let’s Explore

Overview

Meerkats are lively little mammals that belong to the mongoose family. These clever critters, known scientifically as Suricata suricatta, live in the sunny regions of Africa and love to dig!
Meerkats typically measure between 25 and 35 centimeters (10 to 14 inches) long, not including their long, thin tails. They weigh about 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds), which makes them light enough to dart around their desert homes.
Meerkats love to snack on their favorite foods, which include insects, lizards, and birds. They are excellent hunters and enjoy munching on a variety of tasty treats!
These social animals live in groups called mobs, which can have up to 50 members. Working together, meerkats keep a lookout for danger while others forage for food, creating a fun team effort!
Meerkats communicate through a variety of sounds, including chirps, growls, and barks. Each sound has a special meaning, helping them stay connected and alert to any sneaky predators nearby.
In the wild, meerkats can live for about 12 to 14 years. Their playful personality and teamwork make them one of nature's most entertaining animals to watch!

Where can you find a Meerkat in the wild?

What does a Meerkat eat?

How big can a Meerkat grow?

How long does a Meerkat typically live?

What is the conservation status of the Meerkat?

What are the main threats to the Meerkat?

wowzerful facts

Meerkats have a favorite spot for sunbathing - they often stand on their hind legs, raising their bellies to soak up the warm sun, like they are trying to catch some rays at the beach!

These little creatures have a built-in alarm system! When a meerkat spots a predator, it will give a special shout to warn its friends, making it sound like someone is calling everyone to a super important meeting.

Meerkats are expert diggers and use their sharp claws to create extensive burrow systems, sometimes stretching over 30 meters (98 feet) long. They are like tiny construction workers in the desert, building homes safe from predators!

Baby meerkats, called pups, can weigh as little as 100 grams (0.2 pounds) at birth, but they grow fast! They are so cute that you'll want to squeal every time you see one peeking out from the burrow.

Meerkats enjoy family time and take turns babysitting their young. While some teach the pups about food, others keep watch for predators, ensuring their little ones grow up safe and sound!

When meerkats greet each other after a long day apart, they cuddle and even kiss each other! This sweet behavior helps them bond and strengthen their friendships.

During hot days, meerkats will dig deeper into their burrows to find cooler places to hang out. Think of them as little subterranean air-conditioned rooms right under the blazing sun.

Meerkats have special adaptations for their desert life. Their dark patches around their eyes minimize glare from the sunlight, working like nature's very own sunglasses!

These little mammals can unleash a range of sounds, each with a unique meaning. They can sound like chirping birds or playful puppies, making their communication as lively as a busy playground.

Meerkats have a strong sense of community. They may even help to groom each other to keep their fur clean and reduce pesky bugs, similar to how friends might share secrets while relaxing together!