Meerkats live in highly social groups called mobs.
Meerkats are among the most social of all mammals living in groups composed of multiple families, that can contain up to 30 individuals. These groups are known as a “mob”, “gang” or “clan”.
Meerkats are members of the mongoose family. They have long claws which they use to dig elaborate underground burrows.
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 known for their sentinel behaviour. While the group forages for food, there is always one sentry or guard keeping watch for predators including jackals, hawks, and eagles. 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.
Size: Standing up on their hind legs, Meerkats have a long, slender body of approximately 35cm and their tail can be up to 25cm long. Adults can weigh up to approximately 900 grams.