DISTRIBUTION: Kalahari desert (Botswana), Namib desert (Namibia), South western Angola and South Africa.

DIET: Insects, reptiles, plants, eggs, small mammals and birds.

NOTES: Meerkats are small burrowing animals, which live in large underground networks with multiple entrances. They are very social, living in colonies averaging 20-30 members. They demonstrate altruistic behavior within their colonies. One or more meerkats stand sentry while the others are foraging or playing, to warn them of approaching danger. When a predator is spotted, the sentry gives a warning bark, and other members oft he gang will run and hide in one o their holes.