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How does a meerkat know a predator is coming?
One meerkat will stand on its hind legs, propped up by its tail, and act as a lookout while the rest of the mob is outside looking for food and frolicking in the sun. The lookout scans the area for predators, including hawks, eagles, snakes and jackals. If a predator is spotted, the guard lets out a distinctive bark.
How long does it take for a meerkat to mature?
The whole family, including the father and siblings, pitches in to help raise the new additions. By nine weeks, the pups are weaned, and by one and a half years, the meerkats will be mature enough to have their own offspring. Meerkats live up to eight years in the wild and up to 13 years in zoos.
Do meerkats hunt for food?
While a few individuals guard the group, the rest busy themselves foraging for the foods that make up their varied diet. Meerkats will eat insects, lizards, birds, and fruit. When hunting small game, they work together and communicate with purring sounds.
How smart is a meerkat?
Meerkats are much smarter than they look. A recent study at St Andrews University – Scotland – found meerkats use complex coordinated behaviour, which rivals that of chimps, baboons, dolphins and even humans. They solve tasks with help from their mob but also a bit of independent thought.
When do meerkats come out of their den?
By four weeks, the pups first venture out of their den. And by nine weeks, they are weaned. Meerkats reach sexual maturity by 1.5 years of age. Meerkats are social animals that live in large groups of up to 40 individuals, called a gang or mob. The mob is made up of several family groups.
What kind of habitat does a meerkat live in?
Meerkats are a member of the mongoose family. They have tan and grey coats with dark brown patches around their eyes and at the tip of their tails. Where do they live? (Natural habitat) Meerkats live in arid deserts and grasslands of southern Africa.
What kind of insects do meerkats eat?
Meerkats eat insects, arachnids including scorpions, reptiles such as lizards, birds and some plant material. Where do meerkats live? Meerkats live in arid deserts and open country in western parts of southern Africa.
How many pups does a female meerkat have?
Female meerkats have a gestation of ten weeks. A female can give birth from 1 to 8 babies, called pups, at a time, usually 3 to 4. She can have several litters in one year.