Whales, Wildlife & Wilderness                                                                                                                                                 Pam & Wayne Osborn

Makgadikgadi Pans - Meerkats

Morning for Meerkats

Meerkats are late risers particularly on chilly winter mornings.  It was 8:30 before the first meerkat emerged and faced the sun to warm its belly. One by one other heads emerged from the network of burrows until the clan of nine were all facing the sun for their morning warm-up.

 

 

Starting the day's Foraging

After 30 minutes to warm up, it's off to begin the days foraging.  Long sharp claws on their front legs dig efficiently through the Kalahari sand to snatch prey. In these two images, beetle larvae and a scorpion have been captured.  Meerkats seem to be immune to scorpion stings.

Meerkats - Suricates

Also known as suricates, they are part of the mongoose family.

Sentry Duty

Whilst the clan is busy foraging there is always a sentry on duty scanning for danger. Predators include martial eagles and jackals. Meerkats have sharp eyesight and use vocalisations to warn of predators.

Late Afternoon Alert

Late in the afternoon, the meerkats observed a predator and all foraging stopped. The clan raced for a nearby warren. Several adults inspected the warren for snakes and other intruders. Once they gave the all clear, the clan promply retired for the night.