Least Concern

Meerkat

Suricata suricatta

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About

The meerkat is a small mongoose known for its social behavior and upright posture. They live in large groups called mobs or gangs and take turns standing guard to watch for predators.

Habitat

Deserts and grasslands of southern Africa

Diet

Omnivorous - insects, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants

In Pop Culture

The Lion King

movie

Timon is a meerkat character in the Disney film.

Meerkat Manor

A documentary series following the lives of meerkats in the Kalahari Desert.

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Fun Facts

Meerkats have a complex social structure with different roles within the group.
They have specialized dark patches around their eyes that help reduce glare from the sun.
Meerkats are immune to many types of venom, including that of scorpions.

Conservation

StatusLeast Concern

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