Meerkat - Five Sisters Zoo

Meerkats are a type of mongoose native to Africa. They live in family groups known as mobs and shelter in large, underground networks of tunnels and burrows. Individuals have a small, pointed face, dark round eyes and large non-retractable claws on their front limbs. Their coat is usually striped across the back with a lighter coloured torso. Meerkats will often be seen standing on their back feet with front feet tucked close to their chest, a position they assume for multiple reasons, including scanning for predators.

Facts

Diet: Omnivore; invertebrates, small mammals, eggs, some plant material.

Weight: 1kg

Length: 28-35cm including tail

Habitat: South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Angola; prefer savannah with grasses and some vegetation rather than true desert.

Lifespan: 12-14 years

Adapted to Survive

  • Immune to the poison from scorpions and millipedes, a preferred food
  • Dark patches of fur around the eyes helps diminish the glare of sunlight
  • Big claws and large paws allow for efficient digging for tunnels and burrows.

Threats

  • Illegal wildlife and pet trade
  • Climate change

IUCN Conservation Status

Least Concern

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