Scientific Name:
Suricata suricatta
Distribution
Angola, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa
Diet:
Carnivorous. Insects, lizards, snakes, scorpions (they are immune to the strong venom of the Kalahari scorpion), spiders, small mammals, eggs and plants
Facts
Habitat: Open arid areas with shrub and short grass
Gestation: 70 days, 2-5 cubs.
Social structure: groups of 3-50 members with one dominant pair and many helpers of both sexes.
Weight max: male 797g, female 969g
Dimensions: Length24-29cm
Estimated population in the wild: unknown / stable
Lifespan: 5-15 years in the wild
Threats: There are no major threats to this species.
IUCN Status: Least concern
Did you know that:
- They are immune to the venom of poisonous snakes and scorpions.
- Group members take turns guarding for predators, like eagles, hawks and jackals, by standing erect on an elevated point and producing alarm calls.