The meerkat, scientifically known as Suricata suricatta, is a small species belonging to the mongoose family, Herpestidae. This family encompasses all mongooses. The common name “suricate” is often used interchangeably with meerkat, reflecting its genus Suricata. The meerkat is established as a specialized member of the larger mongoose group.
Defining the Mongoose Family
The Mongoose family, Herpestidae, is a diverse group of small, terrestrial carnivores distributed primarily across Africa, southern Asia, and parts of southern Europe. These mammals share a body plan characterized by a long, slender body, short legs, and a tapered head leading to a pointed snout. The family includes approximately 34 different species, ranging in size from the dwarf mongoose to the white-tailed mongoose. Most Herpestids possess non-retractable claws, which are utilized for digging, reflecting their semi-fossorial lifestyle.
Their diet is carnivorous, consisting mainly of insects, small vertebrates, eggs, and occasionally fruit. Mongooses are predominantly diurnal, contrasting with many other small carnivores. The family Herpestidae is divided into two subfamilies, Herpestinae and Mungotinae, with meerkats belonging to Herpestinae.
The Meerkat’s Unique Identity
The meerkat, Suricata suricatta, is one of the smaller members of the mongoose family, typically weighing between 0.62 and 0.97 kilograms. Its body is slender, measuring about 24 to 35 centimeters in length, with a thin, tapering tail adding another 18 to 25 centimeters. A defining characteristic is the black or dark brown patch of fur surrounding each eye, which helps reduce glare from the intense sun in their arid habitat, such as the Kalahari Desert.
The coat is generally light gray to yellowish-brown, displaying a pattern of poorly defined light and dark bands across the back. Their foreclaws are long, strong, and curved, making them highly effective at digging. These specialized claws are crucial for excavating prey and maintaining their elaborate underground burrow systems. The meerkat is the sole member of its genus Suricata.
Social Structure and Cooperative Living
Meerkats are highly social mammals, living in groups known as a “mob,” “gang,” or “clan,” which can range from two up to 50 individuals. This cooperative living distinguishes them from many other mongoose species that are solitary. The mob operates under a strict dominance hierarchy, typically controlled by a single dominant breeding male and female, often called the alpha pair. The dominant female can produce multiple litters per year, and she often suppresses the reproductive success of subordinate females.
The group’s survival depends on cooperative breeding, where non-breeding members, or “helpers,” contribute to the care of the dominant pair’s pups. Helpers nurse the young, guard them at the burrow, and provision them with food. Subordinate individuals may contribute up to 40% of the food they forage to the pups, ensuring the survival of the next generation.
A well-known behavior is the sentinel duty, where individuals take turns standing upright on an elevated position to scan for predators. The sentry uses specific vocalizations to communicate the type of threat, such as an airborne raptor or a terrestrial hunter. Meerkats construct or occupy extensive underground burrows, which provide shelter and protection. They also dig emergency “bolt holes” throughout their territory for rapid escape during foraging.