Suricata suricatta

Distribution

Meerkats inhabit portions of South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Habitat

They inhabit the open and arid country, preferring areas of savannah and open plains.

Diet

Meerkats are mainly insectivorous, but will take small vertebrates, eggs, and plant matter. They forage regularly for these food items, digging in soil and grass and overturning rocks.

Social Interaction

Meerkats are highly social and live in packs consisting of up to 3 familial groups. There can be up to 30 individuals in a pack. Each individual family group includes a breeding pair and their offspring. Within packs, animals are usually friendly, but among packs, serious fights can erupt.

Conservation Status

Conservation dependent