Magnificent Meerkats. We spent a delightful hour with these charming Meerkats in Tswalu in the Kalahari desert, South Africa. They are such characterful animals and a joy to watch. Such fun to see the youngsters dashing around and the adults standing up and scanning for danger. Terrific encounter with these magnificent Meerkats!
Meerkats, Suricata suricatta, are small, highly social mammals native to the arid regions of southern Africa, particularly deserts and savannas. Members of the mongoose family, meerkats are renowned for their curious nature, alertness, and complex social structures. One of the most remarkable features of Meerkats is their highly organised social system. They live in large groups called mobs or clans, which can consist of up to 50 individuals. Within these groups, Meerkats display a structured hierarchy, with a dominant breeding pair leading the community. Cooperation is vital for their survival; they work together to forage for food, care for their young, and defend against predators.
Meerkats are omnivorous, feeding on a varied diet of insects, small mammals, birds, eggs, and plant matter. Their keen eyesight and vigilant behaviour help them spot threats from predators such as eagles, hawks, and jackals. When a predator is detected, Meerkats execute an alarm call, alerting the entire group to take cover or stand guard.
Meerkats are extraordinary creatures that exemplify social cooperation, adaptability, and vigilance
Key words: Africa, African, South Africa, South African, Tswalu, Kalahari, desert, Meerkat, Meerkats, clan, young, wildlife. Nature, animals, safari