MEERKATS
Mammal      -     Vertebrate    -     Omnivore
Male:  Meerkat
Female:  Meerkat
Young:  Pup

MEERKAT
  • Comical, charismatic and social mongooses living in southern Africa.
  • Live in burrows.
  • Have ears that can open and close to keep out the sand when they are burrowing..
  • Uses its tail to balance and as a signal.
  • Live in groups of between 10 - 30 individuals.
  • The pups remain underground for three weeks after birth.
  • The pups are born hairless and don't open their eyes for two weeks.
  • Older meerkats 'babysit' in turns, until the pups are old enough to come above ground.
  • Like to groom and sunbathe in the early morning.
  • Eat insects, birds, plants, eggs, lizards, scorpions, spiders, snakes and small mammals.
  • Main predators are eagles, falcons and jackals.
  • Live for about 12 - 14 years.
  • Can run at about 37 miles per hour.
  • One member of the group will act as sentry, standing on its hind legs on a high vantage point.

Meerkats are a member of the Mongoose family.

The catchphrase 'Simples' is so popular that it is about to gain entry in the Oxford English Dictionary.

Visit:  Meerkats . COLLECTIVE NOUNS