The meerkat can often be seen standing upright on its hind legs, gazing alertly over the southern african plains. The meerkat (suricata suricatta) or suricate is a small mongoose found in southern africa. Learn about these amazing creatures, with facts about the meerkat’s characteristics, habitat, diet, behaviour and defense mechanisms.
Cite this page:smithsonian's national zoo and conservation biology institute. It is characterised by a broad head, large eyes, a pointed snout, long legs, a thin tapering tail, and. The meerkat (suricata suricatta) is a small, social mammal known for its vigilant posture and complex behaviors.
Meerkats function cooperatively in a group led by a. If caught in the open by a predator, a meerkat will try to look fierce, lying on its back and showing its teeth and claws. The meerkat is a species of mammal belonging to the mongoose family. The name meerkat is believed to have been derived from the sanskrit word merkata which means ape or monkey. european explorers and traders.
Native to southern africa, this remarkable animal thrives in. Meerkat, burrowing member of the mongoose family found in southwestern africa that is unmistakably recognizable in its upright ‘sentinel’ posture as it watches for predators. If a group is confronted, the meerkats will stand together, arching. Its habitat is the kalahari desert of southern africa.