What is special about Meerkat?

They are small mammals with grizzled gray and brown fur. They have dark patches around their eyes to protect their eyes from the sun, as well as a dark tip on their tail. Meerkats are known for their upright stance. Mothers can even feed their young while standing up.

How fast can a meerkat dig?

Meerkats are tremendous diggers and can dig up their own body weight in earth in only a couple of seconds.

What are meerkats scared of?

Meerkats know to keep watch for birds of prey as they — along with snakes — are some of their fiercest predators. In fact, according to National Geographic, young meerkats are so afraid of birds that they’ll even dive for cover if they see an airplane.

How did meerkats get their name?

The origin of the term “meerkat” comes from Afrikaans via Dutch. “Meerkat” in Dutch means “lake cat”, even though meerkats are not part of the cat family. Considering meerkats love to feast on termites and often inhabit abandoned termite mounds for shelter, “termite mongoose” is a much more suitable name!

How tall is a meerkat?

9.75 to 11.75 inches
Meerkats are small animals, measuring 9.75 to 11.75 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) from head to rump.

How smart is a meerkat?

Meerkats are much smarter than they look. A recent study at St Andrews University – Scotland – found meerkats use complex coordinated behaviour, which rivals that of chimps, baboons, dolphins and even humans. They solve tasks with help from their mob but also a bit of independent thought.

Do meerkats purr?

Meerkats purr to show contentment and attachment. They chatter when they’re nervous, and they squeal when danger presents itself. Meerkats also use sounds to coordinate their hunting efforts.

What are 2 facts about meerkats?

Meerkat facts that will amaze your kids

• Fact #1 – Meerkats are immune to venom.
• Fact#2 – Meerkats are actually pretty tough if you look like lunch.
• Fact#3 – Meerkats are highly intelligent.
• Fact#4 – Meerkats are omnivores!
• Fact#5 – The desert is dry but meerkats don’t drink water.

Why are meerkats light colored?

Meerkats have light brown fur with a gray and brown tint to it with stripes on their back. Their dark-skinned bellies are covered with only a thin layer of fur, allowing the meerkats warm themselves by lying face up in the sun. Because they have very little fat to store energy, meerkats forage and hunt every day.

How much do meerkats sleep?

Meerkats sleep between 10-12 hours a day usually entering their burrow in the early evening.

Do you know these 20 Amazing Facts about meerkats?

Here are 20 amazing facts about meerkat. 1. Meerkats are misunderstood as a type of monkey, but they are technically a type of Mongoose. – Source 2. Dominating female meerkats will enslave subordinate females within their group as wet nurses. Those that resist are exiled from the group after murdering the subordinate’s pups.

What threats do meerkats face in the desert?

But they live a very difficult life in the African desert, constantly threatened by hungry predators, rival meerkats, drought and burrow-flooding rainstorms. Meerkat watching for predator: Joel Sartore, National Geographic Creative. Group of meerkats: Nico Smit, Dreamstime. Meerkat group on rock: tratong, Shutterstock.

What is a group of meerkats called?

A group of meerkats is known as mob or gang, which consists of five to thirty members, thus making them highly social creatures.

Is a meerkat a monkey?

1. Meerkats are misunderstood as a type of monkey, but they are technically a type of Mongoose.