Meerkat Facts
The meerkat is a small mongoose, a mammal from southern Africa with a broad head, big eyes, long legs and a banded, brindled coat.
- Class
- Mammal
- Scientific name
- Suricata suricatta
- Conservation status
- Least concern (IUCN)
About the meerkat
Adults measure about 24 to 35 cm from head to rump and weigh 0.62 to 0.97 kg. The coat ranges from light gray to yellowish brown with faint stripes across the back, and strong front claws are made for digging. Burrow systems run about 5 m across with around 15 openings and two to three levels of tunnels reaching 1.5 m deep, staying comfortable even when the weather outside is harsh.
Packs of two to 30 meerkats share home ranges of around 5 km2. Usually only the dominant members breed, while the others help care for the pups. Breeding happens year-round, peaking with heavy rain, and after 60 to 70 days a mother gives birth to between three and seven pups. Meerkats are active by day, mostly early and late, and dash underground at any sign of danger.
Did you know?
- Another name for the meerkat is the suricate.
- Scientists recognize three subspecies of meerkat in southern Africa.
- The IUCN lists the meerkat as Least Concern.
Questions about the meerkat
Where do meerkats live?
In southern Africa, in rock crevices in stony areas and in large burrow systems on plains.
How many meerkats live in a group?
A meerkat pack usually has between two and 30 members.
Sources
- Wikidata Q134015, checked October 8, 2026
- Wikipedia: Meerkat, checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.