Meerkat
Meerkats are small carnivores belonging to the mongoose family, inhabiting the harsh deserts and grasslands of southern Africa. They are highly social animals that live in complex underground burrows known as clans or mobs. To ensure the safety of the group while foraging, one meerkat will always stand on 'sentry duty' at a high vantage point, scanning the horizon for predators like eagles and jackals.
Meerkat Quick Facts
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Meerkats have developed an immunity to the venom of some scorpions, allowing them to eat these dangerous creatures safely.
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Lifespan
6–8 years (wild), up to 14 years (captivity)
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Habitat
Deserts, savannas
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Diet
Insects, small vertebrates, eggs, plants
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Region
Southern Africa
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