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Meerkats
Meerkats are species of small mongoose found mostly in
Southern Africa. They are mostly social and form packs from two until 30 individuals. Meerkats are also mostly active in the day and have gone quiet in the night. They are usually alert and retreat to burrows when sensing danger. Characteristics The meerkat has a broad head, large eyes, a pointed nose, long legs with a thin tapering tail. It is way smaller than common mongooses. The head and body length are around 24 – 35 cm and weigh around 0.62 – 0.97 kilograms (however some females are way heavier). Meerkats can survive in their harsh habitats due to burrows as an escape route with their small fast legs. Diet Meerkats are omnivores – which means that they feast on animals and plants. Mostly they eat eggs of amphibians or amphibians themselves. They also eat small birds and scorpions (they are immune to their venom). They spend five to eight hours scavenging for foods during the day. Meerkats are also known to be insectivore which means they mostly eat insects. Burrowing Meerkats love to burrow. In fact, on average they are around five meters. The burrows are surrounded by tunnels and many openings that are used as shelter or escape routes when in danger. Temperatures inside can vary based on the temperature outside their burrow. Fun Facts! Meerkats can survive from drinking water because they get all the moisture they need from insects and the grubs they eat. For comparison, a human would die within 3 – 5 days without additional water. Meerkats are very intelligent animals and its because they use such complex coordinated behaviour, which rivals that of chimps, dolphins, baboons and even humans. They solve tasks with help from their mob but are sometimes independent as well. Last but not the least, meerkats may look adorable, but they lead to dangerous lives. They developed techniques that can surpass the venom found in scorpions, which they eat. When a scorpion sees a meerkat, they go in for the kill. There is still venom on its exoskeleton, so they rub scorpions in the sand to remove any remaining venom.