Meerkat

Meerkat
(larger image)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Hesperidae[?] Genus: Suricata
Species
Suricata suricatta

The meerkat is a small mammal (weighing about 2 lbs and 20 inches long) inhabiting all parts of the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa.

It is carnivorous, consuming mostly insects but also other small mammals, and lives in colonies of up to 40 individuals. They hunt in groups and protect their young.