Meerkats are the adorable little surprises that greet you when you visit the arid areas of Southern Africa. Though small in size, these creatures have an outsized charm that quickly captures the hearts of those lucky enough to encounter them in the wild.
However, meerkats are far more than just cute, curious animals peeking out from burrows. These highly social mammals have evolved to thrive in some of the most challenging environments on the planet, displaying fascinating habits and adaptations that make them unique within the animal kingdom.
In this article, we’ll dig deeper into the world of meerkats, uncovering surprising facts about their physical traits, social structure, survival strategies, and much more.
So, whether you're a wildlife enthusiast planning a trip to Southern Africa or simply curious about these remarkable animals, join us as we explore the intriguing lives of meerkats.
Interesting Facts About Meerkats
1. How Big Is a Meerkat?
A meerkat is a small mongoose with a head-body length of around 14 inches (35 cm) and a tail that adds another 7 to 10 inches (17 to 25 cm).
They typically weigh between 0.6 and 0.97 kilograms (1.4 to 2 pounds), making them slightly larger than red squirrels. Interestingly, female meerkats tend to be a bit bigger than males, which is uncommon in most animal species.
Their small size belies their strength and agility. Meerkats have strong claws, perfect for digging burrows in hard desert soil, and they are surprisingly fast when they need to be.
2. Are Meerkats & Mongooses Related?
Meerkats belong to the Herpestidae family, which includes other species of mongoose. This family consists of small carnivorous mammals found across Africa and parts of Asia.
While they share some common characteristics with other mongooses, such as sharp teeth and keen hunting instincts, meerkats stand out due to their complex social behaviour and highly cooperative living arrangements.
Inasmuch as their name may suggest a link to cats, meerkats are not related to the feline family, despite their sharp reflexes and hunting skills.
3. What's a Group of Meerkats?
A group of meerkats is called a gang, a mob, or a clan. These groups can range from 10 to 50 members but typically consist of around 30 individuals.
Within these clans, there is a strict social structure. The dominant pair (alpha male and female) usually take lead, and only they are allowed to breed, while others help raise the pups.
This cooperative living arrangement ensures the survival of the group, as meerkats take turns standing guard, foraging, and babysitting. Their ability to work together in such large groups is key to their survival in the wild.
Funny coincidence: Like meerkats, a group of African buffaloes can also be called a gang.
4. Where Do Meerkats Live?
Meerkats are native to the deserts and arid regions of Southern Africa, including Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and parts of Angola. They prefer open plains, savannahs, and dry riverbeds where the sparse vegetation allows them to easily spot predators.
These small creatures are excellent diggers, creating extensive burrow systems that protect them from extreme temperatures and predators. The burrows can reach depths of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) and are divided into multiple chambers for sleeping, rearing young, and escaping danger.
5. How Long Do Meerkats Live?
Meerkats have a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years in the wild, but in captivity, they can live longer. The oldest recorded meerkat in captivity lived for 20.6 years.
In comparison to other wild animals, this is a relatively long life, especially given the challenges they face in the wild, such as predators and environmental changes.
It’s worth noting that, unlike some wild animals, meerkats can thrive in captivity due to their adaptable nature and social bonding, which helps them cope with life in zoos and sanctuaries.
Related article: Learn about the lifespan of African wild animals [comparison]
6. What Do Meerkats Eat?
Though meerkats are omnivores, they primarily feed on insects such as beetles, termites, and scorpions. They also eat small reptiles, rodents, birds, and eggs. Meerkats are incredibly resourceful in their dry environments, obtaining most of their moisture from the food they consume.
One of the more remarkable aspects of their diet is their ability to eat venomous creatures like scorpions and snakes. Meerkats are immune to small doses of venom, allowing them to handle prey that is deadly to other animals.
7. Are Meerkats Immune to Venom?
Meerkats have developed an incredible resistance to venom. While not completely immune, they can withstand small doses from snake or scorpion bites, allowing them to hunt these dangerous animals with less risk.
Their strategy when dealing with scorpions is particularly clever - they remove the venomous stinger before eating their prey, minimizing the risk of a fatal sting. This adaptation is a prime example of how meerkats have evolved to thrive in their hostile environments.
8. Are Meerkats Smart?
Meerkats display a surprising level of intelligence, particularly when it comes to their social organization and survival tactics. Their ability to work together in complex social structures suggests a high level of cognitive function.
Some researchers compare their coordination to that of primates, dolphins, and even humans. For example, meerkats use different vocalizations to communicate danger, food availability, and even emotions.
They also teach their young how to hunt by disabling prey for them to practice on—another sign of their intelligence and forward-thinking behaviour.
9. What Threats Do Meerkats Face?
In the wild, meerkats face several predators, including large birds of prey, snakes, and jackals. To avoid these dangers, they rely heavily on teamwork and their excellent sense of hearing, sight, and smell.
Climate change is another looming threat, with rising temperatures and changing weather patterns affecting their habitats and food availability.
Researchers have noted that higher temperatures may lead to more deaths among younger meerkats, which could potentially affect their populations over time.
10. How Do Meerkats Sense Danger?
Meerkats have highly developed senses that help them detect danger. Their sharp eyesight enables them to spot predators from a distance, while their keen sense of smell helps them locate food or detect intruders.
One meerkat always stands on guard duty, perched on a higher vantage point while the others forage. When danger is spotted, the lookout meerkat will use different vocalizations to alert the group, giving them enough time to retreat to their burrows.
11. Are Meerkats in Danger?
Meerkats are classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that, currently, their populations are stable, and they are not at any risk of extinction.
However, their reliance on specific habitats means that any drastic environmental changes could potentially impact their survival in the future.
12. Do Meerkats Stink?
Despite their cute appearance, meerkats do have a strong scent. They use a smelly paste from glands located under their tails to mark their territory.
This scent marking is essential for communicating boundaries with other meerkat groups and ensuring that their home range is protected.
13. Are Meerkats Good Pets?
While meerkats may seem like adorable pets, they are far from suitable for domestic life.
Meerkats are wild animals with complex social needs that cannot be met in a human household setting. In addition, their unpredictable behaviour, potential aggression, and strong scent make them difficult to care for.
Meerkats also need the companionship of their clan and removing one from its group could cause significant emotional and behavioural issues.
Closing Thoughts
Meerkats may not be the most famous animals in Africa, but they are certainly among the most intriguing. Their complex social structures, intelligence, and unique survival strategies make them a true marvel of the desert.
Next time you find yourself in Southern Africa, take a moment to appreciate these small but mighty creatures.
If you’re planning a trip to Namibia, Botswana, or South Africa, keep an eye out for these fascinating animals. They’re just one of many surprises awaiting you in the wilds of Southern Africa.