he same scorpion sting or snakebite that could kill a human is simply shrugged off by a Meerkat as one of the perils of hunting. A Meerkat can also dig through its own weight in sand in a matter of seconds. These are impressive displays of individual strength for an animal the size of a rabbit. However, when it comes to Meerkats, their greatest strength is teamwork.

The same scorpion sting or snakebite that could kill a human is simply shrugged off by a Meerkat as one of the perils of hunting.

Unlike most of the Mongoose family, to which Meerkats belong, they live in colonies of up to 30 individuals as opposed to being loners. Each individual undertakes a role that ultimately benefits the entire group, and these include sentries, hunters, teachers and baby-sitters.

On Guard

The colony lives in a network of burrows at night, which can reach down to three metres under favourable soil conditions. The burrows are often shared with other animals, e.g. ground squirrel and yellow mongoose (also called Red Meerkat). They emerge from the burrows in the morning to sunbathe, and almost immediately a sentry is posted at a high point, such as the branches of a tree, to look out for predators.

A sentry is posted at a high point, such as the branches of a tree, to look out for predators.

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