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More Mammal Printouts
Meerkat or Suricate
Suricata suricatta
Animal Printouts
Label Me! Printouts
Meerkats (also called suricates) are small, burrowing mammals that live on the plains of southern Africa. They are a type of mongoose. In captivity, they have a life span of roughly 10 years.

Behavior: Meerkats live in groups of up to 25 animals (called a "mob" or "gang"). They are fiercely territorial and usually stay very close to their underground burrows, where they live. One meerkat will stand watch in order to warn the group with a shrill cry when a dangerous predator approaches. Hawks, eagles and jackals hunt meerkats. Meerkats frequently sit or stand on their hind legs in an upright position, using their tail as a third leg.

Anatomy: The meerkat is a sleek, furry animal the size of a squirrel. It is about 10-14 inches (25-36 cm) tall and weighs about 2 pounds (1 kg). It has sharp claws which it uses to dig burrows, to scratch the ground for insects to eat, and to catch prey. Meerkats have closable ears.

Diet: Meerkats are primarily insectivores (insect-eaters). They scratch into the ground for insects and insect larvae to eat. They also eat other small animals (like lizards and mice) and some plants.

Classification: Class Mammalia (mammals), Order Carnivora.



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