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Meerkat

The meerkat (*Suricata suricatta*), also called a suricate, is a small mammal in the mongoose family native to southern Africa.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The meerkat (Suricata suricatta), also called a suricate, is a small mammal in the mongoose family native to southern Africa. It lives in social groups in burrows and is known for its upright sentinel posture while watching for predators.

Taxonomy and naming

Meerkats are mammals in the mongoose family Herpestidae and the order Carnivora. The scientific name is Suricata suricatta, and the animal is also commonly called a suricate.

Habitat and range

Meerkats live in arid and semi-arid environments of southern Africa, including deserts, grasslands, and open plains. Their range includes parts of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and possibly southwestern Angola.

Behaviour and social structure

Meerkats are strongly social animals that live in groups and share burrow systems. They are especially known for standing upright to scan for predators while others forage. They cooperate in activities such as sentry duty and burrow living.

Diet and conservation

Meerkats are omnivores that feed on a variety of animal and plant matter. They are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, and population trends are described as stable.

Key facts

  • Meerkats are burrowing mongooses native to southern Africa.
  • They live in highly social groups and cooperate in activities such as sentry duty and burrow living.
  • They are found in countries including Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
  • Meerkats have a grizzled brown or grey coat and dark patches around the eyes that help reduce glare.
  • The species is listed as Least Concern and is considered stable.
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Canadian context

Meerkats are familiar to Canadian readers mainly through zoos, wildlife media, and natural-history programming rather than as a native Canadian species.

Frequently asked questions

What is a meerkat?
A meerkat is a small mongoose-like mammal, Suricata suricatta, native to southern Africa.
Where do meerkats live?
They live in deserts, grasslands, and open savannas in southern Africa, especially in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
Are meerkats endangered?
No. Sources list the species as Least Concern, with a stable population trend.
What do meerkats eat?
Meerkats are omnivores and eat a mix of animal prey and plant material.
Why do meerkats stand upright?
They often stand upright as sentries, scanning for predators while the group forages.

References

  1. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/meerkat
    Supports: Common name, scientific name, habitat, physical description, social behaviour, diet, and conservation status.
  2. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/meerkat
    Supports: Scientific name, size, weight, IUCN status, and population trend.
  3. PBS Nature — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/meerkat-fact-sheet/
    Supports: Taxonomy, family classification, southern Africa range, and Least Concern status.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/meerkat
    Supports: Definition as a burrowing mongoose in southwestern Africa and upright sentinel behaviour.
  5. Smithsonian National Zoo — https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/meerkat
    Supports: Diet, social groups, burrow living, range, and physical features.