Twelve meerkat facts, fact-checked
The meerkat (Suricata suricatta) is a small mongoose whose entire survival strategy is cooperation. Full profile in our meerkat guide.
1. They teach their young
Adults give pups dead scorpions first, then disabled ones, then live — grading difficulty to the pup's age. This meets the strict definition of teaching, documented in very few animals.
2. They tolerate scorpion venom
Partial immunity lets them handle scorpions that would seriously harm a comparable mammal, though a sting still hurts.
3. Sentries rotate
One animal watches from a raised point while others forage, taking turns rather than one individual sacrificing feeding time.
4. Alarm calls specify the threat
Different calls indicate aerial versus terrestrial predators and urgency, and the group responds differently to each.
5. Standing upright is thermoregulation too
A dark belly patch is turned to the sun to warm up after a cold desert night.
6. Groups are called mobs or gangs
Typically 10–30 individuals, occasionally up to 50.
7. A dominant pair does most breeding
Subordinates help raise pups, and dominant females may suppress subordinate reproduction.
8. Babysitters stay behind
Some adults remain at the burrow with pups instead of foraging, going without food that day.
9. Burrow systems are extensive
Multi-level networks with many entrances, shared with ground squirrels and yellow mongooses.
10. They eat mostly invertebrates
Insects, scorpions and spiders, plus small vertebrates, eggs and roots for moisture.
11. Dark eye patches reduce glare
Functioning as built-in sunglasses in bright desert light.
12. They are Least Concern
Widespread and not threatened, though the pet trade and habitat change affect them locally — and they are entirely unsuited to being pets.
Read the full meerkat wildlife guide for IUCN status, population context and sources — or donate to WARN to help fund the partner teams protecting wildlife on the ground.
