ANIMAL WORLD 

Evolution :

 

This Species evolved from the southern tip of Africa or the Cape of Good Hope,where a type of extinct Meerkat, called the Suricata suricatta major, has been found . The extinct Meerkat was similar to the banded mongoose. The current theory is that the Meerkat evolved from the banded mongoose. As the weather climate changed in the region, so did the Meerkats ability to survive in drier conditions.

 

 

Biogeography: 

 

Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) inhabit portions of South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, extending from the south west arid biotic zone and eastward into neighboring southern savanna and grassland areas). Also it is found in Namibia and on the Southern parts of Angola.

Biogeographic Regions: ethiopian (native).

 

 

Animal Behaivor:

 

Meerkats are highly social and live in groups instead of singly.There can be up to 30 individuals in a pack. This provides a better chance for survival due to the greater protection of the group, a sharing of resources, and a division of labor. Each individual family group includes a breeding pair and their offspring. Within packs, animals are usually friendly, but among packs, serious fights can explode.

 

Meerkat populations responses can manifest themselves in several forms: demographic, phenotypic, phenological,and behavioural.

 

Meerkats exhibit sentinel behavior, its when one member of the group poses as a look out, watching for predators and other danger. The sentinel sounds alarm by giving a distinct bark. If a parent sounds alarm, its offspring run to their mother. Sentinel rotation occurs throughout the day among different members of the pack and is announced vocally. The sentry Meerkat is the first to reappear from the tunnel and search for predators. If there is no threat, the sentry Meerkat stops barking and the others feel safe to emerge.

Another behavioral adaptation related to group survival is banding together to form what appears to be a giant, hissing animal. This is achieved by grouping tightly together, fluffing up their fur, and surging forward with their teeth bared and tails held high.

 

Meerkats have been known to engage in social activities, including what appear to be wrestling matches and foot races.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One particular job a meerkat can do is to teach the young how to hunt. This is accomplished by the meerkat running around the kits with a tasty insect in her mouth and trying to get the kits to take it away from her.