INTERESTING FACTS
Meerkats are social animals that live in large communities of up to 30 members, called a gang or mobs. They are part of the mongoose family and are known for their upright posture and vigilant behavior.
Meerkats are native to the deserts of southern Africa, including the Kalahari Desert. They are omnivores, eating a diet of insects, small reptiles, and other small animals, as well as plant roots and tubers.
Meerkats have a distinctive habit of standing on their hind legs and using their front paws to hold food or look for predators. They have an excellent sense of smell and sharp eyesight, allowing them to detect danger from a long distance.
CONSERVATION MESSAGE
They are not considered threatened species, but their populations are declining due to habitat destruction and human activities.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Near Threatened
LIFE SPAN
Meerkats have a lifespan of around 12 years in the wild. In captivity can have a lifespan of around 12-15 years
NATIVE HABITAT
Native to the deserts of southern Africa, including the Kalahari Desert and savannas of southern Africa.
DIET
Meerkats have a diet that consists mainly of insects, spiders, small reptiles, and rodents. They will also eat eggs, fruits, and seeds if available. In captivity, they can be fed a diet that includes mealworms, crickets, and specially formulated dry food.
HEIGHT
Their height ranges from about 8 to 10 inches.
WEIGHT
On average, meerkats weigh about 0.5 to 2.2 lbs
LENGTH
10 to 12 inches long, with a tail length of approximately 6 to 8 inches.
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