A Meerkat is a cute little furry mammal which lives in the desert. They are very social and live with their family in large groups called mobs, or gangs. Meerkats enjoy the company of other meerkats so much that they will even raise each other's babies if one of them dies!
Meerkat families usually consist of one dominant pair - this is the only pair to breed. The number two in command takes care of all the baby meerkats when mum and dad go out looking for food. The rest of the mob helps take care of everybody else in the group. These helpers babysit, keeping an eye on all the newborns whilst their parents are off hunting for scorpions, lizards, snakes and insects.
Meerkats are known for standing up on their hind legs and digging to create extensive tunnel systems. These are used not only as homes but also as storage places for food, water and even scorpions which they like to eat!
A Meerkat's tail acts as a balance when they're climbing or running around in their tunnels. Their tails act like rudders that help them steer when they swim too!
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