Meerkat

Suricata suricatta

One of the most engaging of all the African animals, this small creature scratches a living in a harsh land, mainly by unearthing insects and the like. Danger from birds of prey, jackals, and other larger predators is ever present. Packs number from 5 to 30 animals. Certain members take turns performing guard duty, standing on their hindlegs atop a mound or bush. All pack members help rear the young. This animal, made famous in the Disney movie "The Lion King," is also called the Suricate.

Look For : A pale little mongoose, with a pointed snout and dark eye patches and ears. Legs thin, with 4 long-clawed toes. Coat coarse, grayish or tan; nearly hairless and dark on lower chest and belly; legs yellowish. Tail thin with a black tip.

Length : Body 11"long, tail 7.5-9" long, 1.4-2 lb.

Habitat : Dry, open country.

Range : Southern Africa.