Meerkat Research Paper

The population of the meerkat can be found in the deserts and grasslands of Africa including southwestern Botswana, western and southern Namibia, and north and west South Africa. They can also be found in the southwestern areas of Angola and in the lowlands of Lesotho. The meerkat is commonly known for living underground in tunnels. Some tunnels can have as many as 15 entrance and exit holes.
Furthermore, a limiting factor of meerkats is that meerkats barely come out of their holes in the ground which makes it a little more difficult to find mates, they also do not oftenly leave the comfort of their “gang” which also affects that. The climate makes it a little harder for them to find food because it is so harsh it limits their water supply
Meerkats are very small mammals they have long and slender bodies with a black tipped tail. Their tails are long enough to double as the animal’s body length (almost 8 inches.) They sometimes have to use their tails as a balance mechanism. They are carnivorous, and apart of the mongoose family. Meerkats are very cute and they are fun to see at the zoo.
Despite it's small size, it only eats small animals in order to survive. Meerkats have a good sense of smell which is used to sniff out prey that is under the surface of the sand. Meerkats then use their long and sharp front claws to dig out their prey, the majority of their diet is made up of insects. They also eat larger animals such as rodents.
Next, Meerkats view each other as family. They spend their time grooming each other and playing with one another. Meerkats value companionship. Sometimes the older meerkats will babysit the smaller meerkats while the mother feeds. Meerkats are territorial and do almost anything to protect their home. Meerkats are also sexually mature at one year. They have non retractable claws and four toes and are able to close their