There’s no denying it. Meerkats are adorable. With furry bodies that scurry around in the sand, and sweet faces the size of a human palm, these desert dancers are little gems to South Africa. But despite their cuteness, meerkats can be ferocious. No wonder a group of meerkats is called a mob.
They use an array of sounds to communicate with each other, from purrs when content to a chattering hum while playing. Fiercely protective of each other, meerkats will adjust their alarm signals if there’s danger nearby. They make different sounds depending on if the threat is airborne or on land. The mob will rush into their burrows on the first call. Flocking together to form a tight-knit community of as many as 50, each meerkat has an important task.
Mob members watch out for predators, take care of the young, and help collect food. Meerkats have a varied diet consisting of termites, beetles, caterpillars, small reptiles, and birds. But it doesn’t end there. With an immunity to snake and scorpion venom, meerkats can attack and eat these poisonous creatures.
Once their tiny tummies are full and they’ve exhausted their energy, meerkats cuddle to form a bundle of love. They clearly don’t believe in personal space as they pile on top of each other when they sleep. Despite their mob behaviour, there’s so much more to meerkats than meets the eye.
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