Meerkatミーアキャット

Species Data

Classification

Carnivora / Herpestidae Source

Distribution

Found in southwestern Botswana, western and southern Namibia, and northern and western South Africa, with a marginal range into southwestern Angola. Source

Did You Know?

• Only the dominant male and female in a group typically breed, while subordinate members act as helpers, babysitting and even nursing the pups. Source
• Meerkats often stand upright facing the sun, propped on their tails — a posture that combines sentinel duty with thermoregulation. Source
• Their burrow systems have two to three levels of tunnels that maintain a comfortable microclimate away from the extreme surface heat. Source

FAQ

Why do meerkats stand up on their hind legs?

Standing upright, propped on the tail, lets meerkats scan for predators as sentinels while also warming themselves in the sun. Source

Do all meerkats in a group have pups?

No. Typically only the dominant male and female breed, while other group members help raise the pups by babysitting, guarding, and even nursing. Source

What do meerkats eat?

They are mainly insectivorous, feeding heavily on beetles and moth larvae, and also eat small reptiles, amphibians, birds, and some plant matter. Source