Meerkat

These small mammals belong to the mongoose family. 
Meerkats are social animals. They live in groups of up to 40 members. 
During the day, they hunt and shelter below ground at the hottest time of day. At night, they sleep in the dens that they dig with their claws. 

The average life expectancy of a meerkat is 12 to 14 years. 
They feed mainly on insects, but also on other small vertebrates such as birds, snakes and lizards. 
They are fully adapted to the conditions of the desert and obtain the small amount of water they need from roots and fruits. 

Meerkats protect their territory by finding a good point for observation in a high area, and take turns standing watch during the whole day. 
If a predator approaches, the sentinel will alert the others to the sound, and all will shelter in the dens.