Meerkats: The Social and Resourceful Creatures of the African Savannah

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Subphylum: Vertebrata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: Herpestidae

Genus: Suricata

Species: Suricata suricatta

Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) are small carnivores which belonging to the mongoose family. They are primarily found in the arid regions of southern Africa, including countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. Meerkats have slender bodies, short legs, and a pointed snout, which is excellent for digging. Their fur is typically light brown or grey, with dark bands across their backs, making them well-camouflaged in their natural habitat. The dark bands around the eyes of a meerkat is a special evolutionary feature as it protects their eyes from the harsh arid rays of the sun.

They tend to reach a size of between 23-35.5 centimetres (9-14 inches) with females typically being larger than the males within this species. They weigh between 1.4-2.2 pounds and can live up to around 10 years within the wild and 15 years within human care (captivity). Meerkats are primarily insectivores, and their diet consists of a wide variety of insects, spiders, and small vertebrates, and are known for their cooperative foraging behaviour. When this goes in search of food, one or more individuals from the mob or clan will stand sentry, keeping a lookout for potential predators like birds of prey or snakes, whilst the rest of the group digs for prey. This division of labor amongst the group is essential for their survival, as it allows them to forage more efficiently and stay safe from threats. Meerkats have a keen sense of smell and excellent digging abilities, which help them locate and capture their prey.

One of the most remarkable aspects of meerkats is their complex social structure. They live in groups known as mobs or clans, consisting of up to 40 individuals. These groups are highly organised, with a dominant breeding pair, usually the alpha male and female, at the top of the hierarchy. The alpha female is the only one in the group to reproduce, ensuring that resources are focused on a limited number of offspring. Other meerkats in the group help with various tasks like babysitting, foraging, and sentry duty. You may have seen meerkats in captivity, on TV, or if lucky enough in the wild standing up straight on hind legs or sat on a mound/branch ‘keeping watch’ and this is because they are watching out for any dangers that could threaten themselves or their mob/clan, predator awareness is a crucial aspect of meerkat survival. They are always vigilant and ready to react to any potential danger. When a sentry spots a threat, it emits a distinctive alarm call, which alerts the entire group. Meerkats will then quickly retreat to their burrows or other safe hiding places to avoid becoming prey.

Meerkats are well-known for their intricate burrow systems. They use their strong claws to excavate burrows in the ground, creating a network of tunnels and chambers. These burrows serve multiple purposes, providing shelter from predators and extreme temperatures. They also serve as a communal den where the group can rest, socialise, and rear their young. Meerkats have a unique approach to reproduction. The alpha female in the group is the primary breeder, but other females in the group may also become pregnant, although their offspring rarely survive. A meerkats gestation period lasts for about 70 days, and the alpha female usually gives birth to 2-4 pups. The entire group takes part in raising the young, which helps ensure their survival.

Meerkats are currently categorised as a least concern (LC) status on the IUCN red list meaning that the meerkat species is abundant and not threatened with their numbers stable (neither increasing nor decreasing). Meerkats are remarkable creatures, not just for their physical adaptations but also for their social structure and cooperative behaviour. Their tight-knit communities and constant vigilance against predators are key to their survival in the challenging African savannah. These endearing creatures continue to captivate the world with their adorable antics and remarkable adaptability, making them a beloved symbol of the animal kingdom.

Photos taken at Manor Wildlife Park