Meerkat Facts

The scientific name for the Meerikat is Suricata Suricatta. Meerkats are also sometimes called Suricates.

Meerkats are part of the mongoose family, like others in the mongoose family they live on the ground sheltering in burrows. Meerkats are found in south western Africa. Their habitat is primarily semi-desert scrub and possibly woodland but they prefer open stony country. Meerkats are carnivores.

Meerkats are silvery brown with distinctive bands. Meerkats are 10 -14 inches long and their tail can be 6 1/2 -10 inches long. Meerkats have small pointed ears and dark circles around their eyes, they have a pointed nose and a long slender tail that darkens at the tip. Meerkats have long sharp claws on their front legs that they use for burrowing and rooting out food items. Meerkat often stand on their hind legs to check their surroundings.

Meerkats are sociable and live in colonies of up to 30. Meerkats use sharp barks and growls to indicate threats to the rest of their group. Meerkats live in family groups that range in size from 10 to 30. Within the group each meerkat has its own job. Meerkats work in teams. Some meerkats will remain behind guarding and caring for the young, while others hunt for lizards, birds and even snakes.

Meerkat mating is preceded by mock fights. Meerkat gestation is 11 weeks and they give birth to 2-5 babies at a time.

About the Author
Jacob Maddox manages content for Wildlife Animals http://www.wildlife-animals.com an educational wildlife and animal website. Jacob also guest writes for Dog Pound http://www.dog-pound.net