Meerkat
Meerkats are part of the Mongoose family and originate from the African continent. They have long bodies, typically between 25 cm and 30 cm, and have the ability to stand on their back feet.
A highly social species, Meerkats live together as a ‘mob’ in deep burrows, dug using incredibly sharp claws.
IUCN Listing: Least Concern
Not at a risk of becoming extinct in the wild
Fact File
Native Range
Southern Africa
Natural Habitat
Desert and grasslands
Diet
Insects, eggs, small reptiles and plants
Life Expectancy
In the wild: 5 – 15 years
In zoos: 12 – 17 years
Breeding
Gestation period:
11 weeks. 1 – 5 pups.
Group Name
Mob
Active Hours
During the day
Threats
Illegal pet trade
Fun Fact
Meerkats live in underground burrows in large groups of up to 30 individuals, with this collective called a gang or mob!