Definition & Meaning of "meerkat"

What is a "meerkat"?

The meerkat, also known as suricate, is a small carnivorous mammal belonging to the mongoose family, Herpestidae. Meerkats are known for their distinctive appearance, with a slender body, short legs, and a long, thin tail. They have a pointed snout, dark patches around their eyes, and a reddish-brown or tan coat with characteristic stripes on their back. Meerkats are highly social animals, living in large groups called "clans" or "mobs," and are known for their cooperative behavior, including standing on their hind legs and keeping watch for predators while other members of the group forage for food. They have excellent eyesight and are skilled hunters, primarily feeding on insects, small mammals, and other small prey. Meerkats are native to parts of Africa, particularly in the Kalahari Desert, and are known for their unique behaviors, such as grooming, digging burrows, and engaging in sentinel duty to protect their clan from potential dangers.