Meerkats live in colonies of 10 to 30 individuals under the authority of a dominant pair. Territorial, they dig complex tunnels with numerous entrances, which they may share with ground squirrels or yellow mongooses... but never with meerkats from another colony.

Both prey and predator, meerkats must remain vigilant when hunting. Due to their small size, they are a favourite food source for birds of prey and large desert carnivores. In turn, sentinels, some more experienced than others, watch over the surroundings, standing on high ground and emitting different warning calls depending on whether the danger comes from the sky or the ground. At this point, all members of the group rush to take refuge in the nearest burrow entrance. If they are surprised before they can reach shelter, they gather together, bristling with fur and mouths open, and do not hesitate to attack their opponent to intimidate and repel them.

The young are usually all born at the same time. They remain in the burrow for three weeks, watched over by an adult who never leaves their side. At around one month old, they begin to explore the outside world and learn to hunt, first harmless prey and then increasingly dangerous creatures such as scorpions.ons.

Meerkats can stand upright and watch for danger, balancing on their thin, muscular tails, which gives them their characteristic posture. With their powerful claws on their front paws, they quickly dig burrows in which they take refuge at the slightest sign of danger. With their excellent eyesight, they can spot a bird of prey from a great distance. A well-developed sense of smell allows them to locate prey in the ground. Their teeth are very sharp, enabling them to pierce the shells of insects.

Living exclusively in desert areas, meerkats can go without drinking, contenting themselves with the water contained in their prey.

When meerkats search for food, they take turns standing guard, watching for potential predators on the ground or in the air. As soon as the sentry spots one, it barks and the whole group rushes to the nearest burrow.