Emerald Park | Meerkat | Ireland's Only Theme Park & Zoo
Meerkat

Meerkat

Suricata suricatta
Conservation status IUCN
Least concern

For more info on classifications visit
www.iucnredlist.org

endangered list labels least concern
endangered list least concern sign
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    Animal class
    Mammal, herpestidae
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    Habitat
    Warm, dry habitats such as deserts and dry grasslands.
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    Diet
    Omnivores – diet consists mainly of insects, but will also eat plants, eggs, small rodents, and snakes.
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    Conservation status
    Least concern
  • Introduction

    Meerkats are among the most social of all mammals living in groups composed of multiple families, that can contain up to 30 individuals. This behaviour helps them to thrive in harsh environments by working together as a group.

    They are diurnal animals, being active during the day. In the wild, they will emerge after the sun has heated the surface of their burrow.

    Meerkats are members of the mongoose family. They have long claws which they use to dig elaborate underground burrows and to hunt for food.

    They communicate with one another through barks, calls, growls, and grunts.

  • Conservation

    Meerkats are classified as least concern.

    Threats to populations include habitat loss and trapping for the pet trade.

  • Habitat

    Meerkats play a key role in the ecosystem that they inhabit. Their diet consists mainly of insects and so they keep populations of pests at bay. They are also a vital food source for predators in the ecosystem.

    They live in warm, dry habitats such as deserts and dry grasslands.

  • Fun Facts

    When looking out for predators, the sentinel gives a distinctive bark to sound an alarm and the mob will flee into their burrows for protection. Sentinel rotation occurs throughout the day, among members of the group.

    Meerkats are cooperative breeders, meaning helpers in the group, will assist in raising young that are not their own.