Meerkats are one of the most adorable and fascinating animals in the world. They are small, furry, and social mongooses that live in large groups called mobs or gangs. They are found in the arid regions of southern Africa, especially in the Kalahari Desert and the Makgadikgadi Pans. Here are five things you should know about these amazing creatures:
1. They are friendly to humans
Some meerkat colonies in Botswana have been semi-habituated by scientists who study their behavior and ecology. This means that they are used to the presence of humans and do not see them as a threat. Some lodges in the Makgadikgadi Pans offer guests the opportunity to visit these meerkat colonies and interact with them in a respectful and non-invasive way. Guests can observe the meerkats as they emerge from their burrows at sunrise, scout for predators and food, groom each other, play, and sunbathe. Sometimes, the meerkats may even climb on the guests’ shoulders or heads to get a better view of their surroundings!
2. They have a complex social structure
Meerkats live in groups of up to 50 individuals, but usually around 20. Each group has a dominant pair that is the only breeding pair in the group. The dominant female is the leader of the group and decides when and where to move, forage, and rest. The dominant male helps her defend the territory and the group from rivals and predators. The rest of the group members are subordinates who help with babysitting, digging, grooming, and sentinel duty. Meerkats communicate with each other using various vocalizations, such as barks, chirps, growls, and purrs.
3. They are adapted to harsh environments
Meerkats live in some of the driest and hottest places on earth, where water and food are scarce. They have several adaptations that help them survive in these conditions. For example, they have dark patches around their eyes that reduce glare from the sun. They also have long, thin tails that help them balance when standing upright. They can also close their ears to prevent sand from entering them when digging. Meerkats can survive without drinking water, as they get enough moisture from their prey.
4. They are omnivorous and opportunistic
Meerkats eat a variety of foods, depending on what is available in their habitat. Their main diet consists of insects, such as beetles, termites, ants, scorpions, spiders, and caterpillars. They also eat small vertebrates, such as lizards, snakes, frogs, birds, eggs, and rodents. Sometimes, they may even eat plants, fruits, roots, bulbs, and fungi. Meerkats have strong teeth and claws that help them dig up their prey from underground or under rocks. They also have a special adaptation that allows them to eat scorpions without being harmed by their venom: they have immunity to scorpion venom and can bite off the stinger before eating the rest of the scorpion.
5. They are vulnerable to threats
Despite their cute appearance and clever behaviors, meerkats face many threats in the wild. Their natural predators include eagles, hawks, jackals, foxes, snakes, and wild cats. They also suffer from diseases, parasites, droughts, fires, floods, and human activities. Meerkats are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. However, their population is decreasing due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by agriculture, mining, tourism development, and road construction. Meerkats need our protection and conservation to ensure their survival and well-being.
Meerkats are truly amazing animals that have adapted to the harsh and challenging environment of the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Kalahari Desert. They have also formed a complex and cooperative social system that enables them to survive and thrive. They are not only adorable and furry, but also intelligent and resilient. They are a delight to observe and study.
If you want to experience the wonder of the meerkats for yourself, you can book a safari trip to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans with one of our travel experts on +263772251124 or info@dktoursandsafaris.co.zw. You will have the opportunity to visit the semi-habituated meerkat colonies and interact with them in a respectful and friendly way. You will also discover the breathtaking beauty and diversity of the Makgadikgadi Pans and its wildlife. It will be a memorable adventure that you will treasure for a lifetime!
Or… you can check out this trip which includes the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans:
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12-DAY MAKGADIKGADI, OKAVANGO, CHOBE AND VICTORIA FALLS TOUR
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