Meerkat Suricata suricatta

Meerkat
Meerkat
The Meerkat, also called Suricat, is a mongoose native to the Kalahari and Namib deserts of Southern Africa and to South Africa.
Meerkat
Meerkat
Meerkat
There are three subspecies, each in a different area; the one shown here is the most common and the nominate Slender-tailed Meerkat. The subspecies are fairly similar in appearance.
Meerkat
Meerkats
Meerkat
Meerkats live in groups of some two or three dozen with a highly-developed social structure led by the dominant pair which are typically the only breeding pair, with others, male and female, taking babysitting, foraging, teaching and look-out duties for the clan. (The alpha parents never babysit.)
Meerkats sunbathing
Meerkat on look-out duty
Meerkats on look-out duty
One or two are always on lookout for danger (predators) while others are sleeping, sunbathing, digging burrows or foraging.
Meerkat on hind legs The look-out often stands on hind legs for a better view.
Meerkats digging Digging the burrow
Meerkat
Meerkat with burrow They live in burrows/dens and move to new from time to time.
Meerkats fighting Meerkats fighting
Meerkat "simples"
Meerkat on guard duty
Meerkat on guard duty
Meerkat on guard duty
More guard duty.
Meerkat on guard duty
Meerkat on guard duty
Meerkat on guard duty