Beyond the story
A little mongoose with a big family
Meerkats are small members of the mongoose family. Their scientific name is Suricata suricatta. Standing upright gives them a better view across the landscape: a lookout can warn the group while the others search for food.
Where is home?
Wild meerkats live in southern Africa, including South Africa’s dry Kalahari region. Sandy ground makes a good place for a network of burrows. Underground chambers offer shelter from the heat and a safe place to sleep.
A life in the wild
They dig with strong front claws and can close their ears to keep sand out. Insects make up much of their food, alongside other small prey. Life is a team effort: family members help guard and care for the pups. A sunny morning may begin with the group warming up outside its burrow.
A future worth protecting
Looking after the Kalahari means looking after an entire living landscape. Research helps people understand how animals, plants and a changing climate fit together.
Wildlife facts and further reading:
San Diego Zoo · Meerkats (opens in a new tab)Kalahari Research Centre · Meerkat research (opens in a new tab)
