Where does the meerkat live?
The meerkat lives in the arid regions of southern Africa, mainly South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and south-western Angola, where it frequents dry savannas, open plains and semi-desert areas. A pack occupies a home range of 5 km² on average, sometimes as big as 15 km², with many burrows 50 to 100 m apart, some of which remain unused.
What does the meerkat eat?
The meerkat is a small mongoose, with a broad head, large eyes, a pointed snout, long legs and a brindled coat. Its foreclaws are adapted for digging, and it can regulate its temperature to survive in its harsh, dry habitat. It is highly social: it forms packs of two to 30 individuals, with a hierarchy. Generally the dominant individuals breed, and the other members of the pack care for the pups altruistically.
Is the meerkat endangered?
No: the IUCN lists it as Least Concern. Three subspecies are recognised. Adults are around 24 to 35 cm long, and typically weigh between 0.62 and 0.97 kg.
