11 Facts About Meerkats

Meerkats have foreclaws adapted for digging and have the ability to thermoregulate to survive in their harsh, dry habitat.

Meerkats are active during the day, mostly in the early morning and late afternoon; they remain continually alert and retreat to burrows when sensing danger.

Meerkats are widely depicted in television, movies and other media.

Meerkats are a cooperatively breeding species—typically the dominant 'breeders' in a pack produce offspring, and the nonbreeding, subordinate 'helpers' provide altruistic care for the pups.

Meerkats are highly vigilant, and frequently survey their surroundings by turning their heads side to side; some individuals always stand sentry and look out for danger.

Meerkats tend to occupy the burrows of other small mammals more than constructing them on their own; they generally share burrows with Cape ground squirrels and yellow mongooses.

Meerkats often eat citron melons and dig out roots and tubers for their water content.

Meerkats are estimated to survive for five to 15 years in the wild; the maximum lifespan recorded in captivity is 20.

Meerkats occur in several protected areas such as the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the Makgadikgadi Pan.

Meerkats can transmit rabies to humans, but yellow mongooses appear to be more common vectors.

Meerkats have been widely portrayed in movies, television and other media.