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