[This was written by Fran Siebrits and published online by Wild Magazine http://www.wildcard.co.za/, 2011]

How much do we actually know about meerkats? The name implies a cat, but do they belong to the feline family? They live in large groups under the ground, but how do they communicate? 

Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) live in clans of about 20, but a super-family can have 50 members or more. These groups are highly organised and it stands to reason that communication must therefore be efficient and effective. 

The word ‘meerkat’ is quite misleading as these mammals, also known as suricates, form part of the mongoose family and not the cat family.

Each meerkat has a duty as either a forager (hunter), sentry (lookout) or babysitter. Sentries are responsible for keeping watch while the hunters collect their insectivorous diet. They also warn the babysitters if danger is lurking. This social organisation requires a range of distinctive calls so that communication can warn, for example, of the threat of a particular predator and its location.

Recent research on meerkats in the Kalahari has revealed that these communal creatures not only have an array of different calls, but they can also recognise individuals in their group. This may not seem that amazing to us because individual recognition comes naturally to humans. But it is not a given in the animal world.

It was previously thought that only a few other primate species relied on voice recognition. It is therefore quite remarkable that meerkats have the same ability to recognise one another by their voices. 

With curious looks and captivating behaviour, meerkats continuously keep researchers on their toes. Just to stir the pot of intrigue even more, a pinch of mythology brews some food for thought … In some African traditions the meerkat is believed to be a sort of angel, guarding the tribe from the moon devil or werewolf which captures livestock and lone individuals.

The mystery of the meerkats continues.

Sources:
University of Zurich (13 October 2011). Meerkats recognize each other from their calls. ScienceDaily. Viewed online [http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2011/10/111013085110.htm]
WIKIPEDIA. 2011. Meerkat. Viewed online [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meerkat.htm]