Meerkat

Meerkat, or suricate (Suricata suricatta), small, insect-eating mammal of the family Herpestidae, native to dry regions of southern Africa. The meerkat's slim body and long tail measure about 20 in (51 cm) long, and it weighs about 2 lb (900 gm). It has silvery brown fur with dark markings. Its sturdy hind legs allow it to stand upright to search for predatory birds. Meerkats live in burrows in colonies of up to 30 animals. The name “meerkat” is also sometimes applied to various mongooses.