The Meerkat or Suricate is a member of the Mongoose Family (Herpestidae). The fur is gray or tan above with darkish bands across the back; the ears are dark and the eyes peer quizzically from amidst dark eye patches. It can see in color.
It has a thin, black-tipped tail. Its height averages 12 inches and
it weighs approximately 2 pounds. It has four-toed feet with non-retractable claws.
This little mammal prefers a drier open country than most other mongooses. It lives in southern Africa. The mongoose family consists of 37 species, most of which live in Africa. Meerkats may produce 3 litters a year, each litter producing from 2 to 5 young. The gestation period is 11 weeks. Meerkats live in burrows that are lined with grass.
Meerkats eat a variety of invertebrates as well as small mammals, reptiles and birds. They are constantly wary of predators such as jackals and large birds of prey. Several of the pack will stand guard during the day, actually standing upright on two legs, using their tail for balance. Meerkats are very sociable and live in packs (also called mobs or gangs) of from 5 to 30 animals. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day.
The little meerkat plush toys shown at top are from Aurora World, Hansa Plush and Douglas. Check our Gift Shop to see if we have any meerkats in stock.
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