In pursuit of the fashionable tendency to acquire exotic pets, many people begin to live under the same roof with aggressive and sometimes dangerous animals. But to surprise others with their exclusivity, you can safely, get to know the African beast called meerkat rather closely. This cute creature can provide a charge of emotions and exotic at the same time, you only need to get to know him better.
What does a meerkat look like?
Despite the fact that meerkats and mongooses belong to the same family of mongooses, their appearance is radically different.
A meerkat is a small animal, it reaches up to 30 centimeters in height and a maximum of one kilogram of weight. The animal itself is quite elegant and slender, but due to the volumetric fur the impression of a more complete animal is created.
Meerkat has a soft touch, its color can vary from gray with a reddish tint to milky white. On the stomach and muzzle, the hair is usually lighter, almost white, and around the eyes and on the tip of the tail and legs it is black.
Little meerkats very skillfully stand on their hind legs, leaning on their tail for balance. The tail of meerkats can reach 20 centimeters in length, it is wider at the base and gradually tapers to the tip.
How do meerkats live?
These small animals live in large schools consisting of several tens of individuals. Such tribal clans allow meerkats to unite for a joint search for food, protection from predators, and even raising children.
Meerkat is an animal that is most active during the day, with the largest part of its activity being digging holes. To do this, nature endowed these animals with paws with long claws: with their front paws they dig a move, and with their hind legs they throw the ground.
Life in the underground passages left another imprint on the physical characteristics of meerkats - they have a unique ability to cover their ears so that they do not get into the ground and dust while digging holes.
The relations of animals within the flock are very close and warm, family. The morning ritual of greeting all members of the meerkat family looks amazing: at sunrise the animals "greet" each other, gently hug, kiss the faces of their fellow tribesmen. Such a ritual is necessary for them to maintain integrity and cohesion within the flock.
Natural habitat
The natural life of meerkats takes place in a desert and flat area, on which there are not a large number of trees and other large plants. Such natural conditions are most suitable for creating numerous underground passages and tunnels, without which it is impossible for a flock of meerkats to exist.
In the wild, these animals are most likely to be found in such geographical locations as:
- Republic of South Africa.
- Namibia.
- Angola
- Zambia.
- Zimbabwe.
- Madagascar.
Meerkats at the zoo can also feel comfortable. This is possible if he created special environmental conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat: flat, desert terrain with soil suitable for digging. In addition, the temperature regime and the amount of open solar space should be suitable for animals.
Meerkat habits
Little members of the mongoose family are very intelligent, non-aggressive animals. They are very active and energetic, because they spend the whole day in motion.
The usual activity of the meerkat is to burst holes and tunnels that can form an entire underground city and cover large areas. At the same time, collapses regularly occur in the tunnels, which hardworking meerkats immediately clear or break the replacement for a collapsed tunnel.
Meerkat is a small animal that loves to bask in the sun in the minutes of rest. At the same time, animals can freeze in the most inappropriate position for rest: sitting on their tail and spreading their hind legs wide or bent in half.
Small size, funny habits, non-aggressive disposition and keen mind make meerkat attractive not only as an object of observation in the wild or zoo, but also as a potential pet.
Benefits of an Exotic Pet
Meerkat at home looks much more advantageous than most other fashionable exotic pets.
This animal lends itself well to training - it can respond to its nickname and recognize people with whom it lives. The animal is non-aggressive and does not bite at all, even in case of fright: it has rather weak jaws and non-sharp teeth.
The meerkat partly resembles a cat in its home way of life: it goes to the toilet in a special tray, likes to bask in the sun, prefers to climb onto a sleeping person and from there watch what is happening in the vicinity.
Eating meerkats also does not require much trouble. The diet of the animal is half composed of products available in any store: eggs, chicken breast, vegetables, fruits; and half from specialized pet store food.
A meerkat usually lives in his cage, but under supervision he can travel throughout the living area, which he does with interest and pleasure.
Also with this animal you can go outside on a leash, but for this you need to do preventive vaccinations.
