Meerkats, formally known as suricates, are highly social mammals from southern Africa that organize their entire lives around a deep reliance on underground shelter. These small, diurnal animals live in cooperative groups called mobs, and their survival in the harsh desert environment is intricately linked to their communal burrow systems. The burrow serves as the central hub for the group, offering protection from predators and the climate extremes of their arid habitat. This underground network represents a sophisticated, shared living space that enables the meerkats’ distinctive social structure and cooperative behaviors.
Burrow Architecture and Construction
The meerkat communal burrow system is a large, complex network that often spans up to five meters in diameter and contains several levels of tunnels and chambers. These underground homes typically feature many entrances, sometimes numbering around 15, which are referred to as “bolt-holes” for quick entry and exit. The tunnels themselves extend deep into the ground, reaching depths of up to two meters.
Meerkats are skilled diggers with long, sharp claws, but they frequently occupy and extensively modify burrows originally excavated by other animals, most commonly Cape ground squirrels. Repurposing these existing tunnels conserves the group’s energy, which can then be devoted to foraging and vigilance. Within the system, specialized chambers exist for different functions, including separate sleeping areas, nursery chambers for new pups, and designated toilet areas. The entrances are often surrounded by small mounds of excavated dirt, and the tunnels are constructed at angles that aid in drainage and promote air flow for ventilation.
The Imperative of Burrow Use for Survival
The primary function of the burrow system is to mitigate the extreme temperature fluctuations of the desert. During the day, surface temperatures can become scorching, but the deeper tunnels provide a moderated internal temperature that acts as a natural air conditioner. This steady microclimate allows the meerkats to conserve energy they would otherwise spend on regulating their body temperature.
The second function is defense against the many predators that inhabit their environment, such as raptors and snakes. The numerous entrances and exits allow the mob to scatter and escape quickly if a predator is spotted. Guards on sentry duty issue distinct alarm calls, prompting the group to rush to the nearest bolt-hole for safety. The collective memory of these escape routes across their territory is a survival strategy for the entire mob.
Communal Sleeping Arrangements
Meerkats spend their nights huddled together in a behavior known as the “meerkat pile” within the central sleeping chamber. The entire mob, which can range from three to 25 individuals, stacks itself into a tight, compact group. This arrangement is a mechanism for collective warmth, especially during the cold desert nights.
The shared body heat generated by the pile significantly reduces the energy each individual must expend to stay warm. The social dynamics of the group influence the placement of individuals within this huddle. The dominant pair or the smallest pups are often positioned safely in the center of the pile, where warmth and protection are maximized. This close, physical contact reinforces social bonds within the mob.
Daily Routine and Relocation
The meerkat’s day revolves around the burrow, beginning with a coordinated emergence after sunrise. They often wait until the sun has warmed the entrance before venturing out, taking time to sunbathe and groom to raise their body temperature before foraging. After spending five to eight hours foraging for food, the entire group retreats back to the main burrow system for the night. They may also use the burrows for a temporary rest during the hottest part of the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Meerkat mobs maintain a home range containing multiple burrow systems, moving between them frequently. Groups may relocate their sleeping base every few months or as often as every few days, depending on the circumstances. The primary reasons for this frequent relocation include managing hygiene and controlling the buildup of parasites, which can accumulate in an overused den. Moving to a new burrow also helps to confuse predators about the group’s location and allows the mob to stay in closer proximity to new or replenished foraging grounds.