9a

Recording 9a

The meerkat is found exclusively on the semi-arid plains of southern Africa. In teams of its natural environment, the meerkat avoids woodland and dense vegetation. At night, the meerkat retires to a network of burrows, which it digs with its powerful forelegs.

If rocky ground makes this impossible, the meerkat will make its den in the crevices between the rocks.

Meerkats feed mainly on insects, spiders and snails, but their diet occasionally includes small rodents, lizards, and the roots of certain plants.

They will even tackle dangerous prey such as scorpions and snakes. Relying on its cane sense of smell, the meerkat is a successful forager.