Animals On Earth: Africa

Meerkat

The meerkat (Suricata suricatta) or suricate is a small mongoose found in southern Africa. It is characterised by a broad head, large eyes, a pointed , long legs, a thin tapering tail, and a coat pattern. The head-and-body length is around 24–35 cm (9.4–13.8 in), and the weight is typically between 0.62 and 0.97 kg (1.4 and 2.1 lb). The coat is light grey to yellowish-brown with alternate, poorly-defined light and dark bands on the back. Meerkats have foreclaws adapted for digging and have the ability to to survive in their harsh, dry habitat. Three are recognised.

Meerkats are highly social, and form packs of two to 30 individuals each that occupy around 5 km2 (1.9 sq mi) in area. There is a social —generally individuals in a pack breed and produce offspring, and the nonbreeding, subordinate members provide care to the pups. Breeding occurs around the year, with peaks during heavy rainfall; after a of 60 to 70 days, a litter of three to seven pups is born.

They live in rock crevices in stony, often areas, and in large systems in plains. The burrow systems, typically 5 m (16 ft) in diameter with around 15 openings, are large underground networks consisting of two to three levels of tunnels. These tunnels are around 7.5 cm (3.0 in) high at the top and wider below, and extend up to 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) into the ground. Burrows have moderated internal temperatures and provide a comfortable that protects meerkats in harsh weather and at extreme temperatures.

Meerkats are diurnal animals with sharp eyesight and good color vision, often seen staring into the bright sky to spot birds of prey like Crowned Eagles and Martial Eagles. 

As long as they are still young, meerkats are friendly creatures but once they reach about 6 months of age, they can change completely into the 'pit-bulls' of the mongoose world. The 'pet' meerkat, now of an age to defend its group and being human imprinted, perceives visitors as intruders.