Meerkats, known for their upright posture and cooperative nature, are a familiar sight in wildlife documentaries. These small mammals often stand sentry, scanning the horizon for threats while others forage. Their social behavior and vigilant stance contribute to their widespread recognition. They inhabit arid landscapes, where they are well-adapted to thrive.
The Common Meerkat: An Iconic Species
The animal most commonly known as the meerkat is Suricata suricatta, a small mongoose species found across southern Africa. They possess a slender body, measuring about 24 to 35 centimeters (9.4 to 13.8 inches) from head to rump, with a tail nearly as long. Their weight typically ranges between 0.62 and 0.97 kilograms (1.4 and 2.1 pounds). Their coats are light grey to yellowish-brown, marked with alternate, poorly defined light and dark bands on their backs.
Meerkats thrive in the arid and semi-arid plains, savannas, and scrublands of countries like South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. They are well-adapted to these dry conditions, capable of obtaining sufficient moisture from their diet, which primarily consists of insects such as beetles and lepidopterans. They also consume small vertebrates, eggs, and plant matter, and are notably immune to the venom of scorpions, a common prey item.
Meerkat social structure is highly cooperative, with groups, known as mobs or gangs, ranging from two to 30 individuals. Within these groups, members share duties such as looking after young and standing guard. Their complex burrow systems, which can be up to 5 meters (16 feet) in diameter and extend 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) underground, provide shelter from harsh weather and predators.
Clarifying Meerkat Species
Despite common perceptions, there is only one scientifically recognized species of true meerkat, Suricata suricatta. This single species is the sole member of the genus Suricata. The idea that there are “three species of meerkats” is a misunderstanding, possibly arising from the existence of three recognized subspecies within Suricata suricatta. These subspecies, S. s. suricatta, S. s. majoriae, and S. s. iona, exhibit slight variations in physical appearance or geographic distribution but are not distinct species.
Meerkats belong to the mongoose family, Herpestidae, which includes many other species. While various mongoose species exist and share some similarities with meerkats, they are classified differently and are not considered meerkats themselves. For instance, the yellow mongoose (Cynictis penicillata) is sometimes confused with meerkats due to its similar appearance, even being called “red meerkat” in Afrikaans. However, key differences in physical characteristics and behavior distinguish mongooses from the unique Suricata suricatta.