Introduction

Meerkats, scientifically referred to as Suricates have a long body and short leg characteristics as part of the Mongoose family. Meerkats live in underground burrows in large groups up to 40 individuals called a gang or mob. The mob is made up of several families, but one dominant male and one dominant female produce most of the babies. They are found in the Southern Region of Africa among dry plains with sparse plants.  Meerkats survive on insects, spiders, snails, small rodents, birds, eggs, lizards and even scorpions.