THE MEERKAT (Suricata suricatta) The meerkat, otherwise known as the meerkat, is a small, hairy member of the mongoose family (Herpestidae) that can stand upright. The creatures have round, soft bellies with smaller, thinner limbs. Their snout is small and pointed, ending in a sharp tip on the animal's black nose. It lives in the African savannah grasslands in groups of twenty-five to fifty specimens. These groups are called mobs or manors. The female meerkat gives birth to two to five pups at a time, who are born hairless and unable to see. The life expectancy of these puppies is approximately twelve to fourteen years. The creatures live in dense networks of interwoven tunnels located underground in the sandy soil of the savanna. Tunnels or burrows serve many purposes, including keeping animals cool and protecting them from predators. Meerkat predators include eagles and hawks, which can easily pick up the small specimens, which weigh only a pound. This danger requires that at least one meerkat be kept on "guard duty" at all times. This is indeed a sacrifice, because the guarding meerkat is almost universally killed and eaten. However, the unfortunate meerkat will have already signaled the alarm to the rest of his manor before he is captured, thus protecting his family and relatives and, in turn, fulfilling his one true purpose in life: passing on his genes. Meerkats are incredibly altruistic creatures, caring about the well-being of the entire manor even if it means giving up their own personal survival. A crying puppy immediately attracts the attention of any adult member of the group, who will see that the puppy is being cared for even if it means sacrificing a meal. Additionally, grown female meerkats will find......in the center of the card......-lookout.html>."Facts about Meerkats - Suricata Suricatta: The most beloved member of the mongoose family." Mammals. Network. June 6, 2010. "Meerkat Print - EnchantedLearning.com." ENCHANTED LEARNING HOME PAGE. Network. June 6, 2010. "Meerkats | The official blog of the Houston Zoo." Welcome to Houston Zoo Blogs! Education, wild conservation,. Network. June 6, 2010. "Savannah Jackalberry Tree Facts | Garden Guides." Garden Guides, your guide to all things gardening. Network. 06 June 2010. "Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle, WA - Fact Sheet on Meerkats." Network. 06 June 2010. .