The meerkat is a small, highly social mongoose of southern Africa’s dry landscapes. Long-term studies in the Kalahari have made it one of the best-understood cooperative mammals.
Interesting facts
- Meerkats are a type of mongoose.
- A sentinel stands guard while the group forages and gives different calls for aerial and ground predators.
- Groups, called mobs, can contain up to about 50 animals.
- Dark patches around their eyes reduce glare from the sun.
- Usually only the dominant pair breeds.
- They dig extensive burrow systems with many entrances.
Behaviour
Meerkats live in groups that forage together, take turns on guard, babysit pups and defend their territory against neighbouring groups.
Breeding and young
The dominant female gives birth to 2 to 5 pups in a burrow; other group members help raise them.
Threats and conservation
Widespread and common; local threats include habitat change and disease.
Where to see it
- Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa and Botswana
- Oudtshoorn, South Africa (habituated meerkat tours)
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
Where to see the meerkat
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