Meerkat

Suricata suricatta

The meerkat is a small, diurnal carnivore that lives in the arid savannas and semideserts of southern Africa. With its strong claws, it digs extensive underground burrow systems that provide protection from predators and heat.

Meerkats live in social family groups led by a dominant “queen”, whose offsprings are cared for by the entire group. Group members take on different roles throughout the day: while some forage for food, others act as sentinels or help care for the young. The dark patches around their eyes function like natural “sunglasses”, reducing glare from the bright sunlight. Their diet includes insects, spiders, small reptiles and even venomous scorpions.