Suricate

suricate: see mongoose.

---

meerkat

 or suricate

Colonial species (Suricata suricatta) of the mongoose family (Herpestidae). It is a burrowing carnivore found in southwestern Africa that differs from mongooses in having four (rather than five) toes on each foot. Meerkats are noted for their constant vigilance for predators. This sentinel behaviour involves one member of the group finding an elevated position, standing on its hind legs, and alerting the group of danger when it is seen. The meerkat grows to a total length of 17–24 in. (43–60 cm). Insects and other small animals constitute most of its diet, but bulbous roots are also eaten for the water they contain. It is diurnal and easily tamed as a pet. The yellow mongoose (Cynictis penicillata) is sometimes called the red meerkat.

---

Suricate 

(Suricata suricata), a predatory mammal of the family Viverridae. The head and body length is about 35 cm; the lightly furred tail measures about 25 cm in length. The hairs are sparse and shaggy. The back and sides are marked with rows of spots or with indistinct whitish and brown transverse bands.

The suricate is found in the desert regions of southern Africa. It is active during the day. The mammal lives in colonies in burrows that it digs itself. It often lives amid colonies of ground squirrels. The suricate resembles a suslik in the way it stands still and whistles when alarmed. The diet consists of insects and small vertebrates. A litter of two to four young is born each year.