Meerkats, also called suricates, are members of the mongoose family native to the southern African plains. They live in mobs (yes, that"s what a group of meerkats is called) of 20 to 50 animals that work together and share extensive networks of underground burrows. Our friend today, photographed in Namibia, appears to be on sentry duty, which is when a meerkat stands lookout for predators as the rest of the group forages for food, such as insects, small reptiles, and other delicacies. A sentry shift usually lasts about an hour, after which another meerkat takes over and the now-relieved sentry gets to focus on filling its belly.
A meerkat stands alone
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Life in the slow lane
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Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
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Celebrating Minnesota’s statehood
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Mountains fit for a queen
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The 80th anniversary of D-Day
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Beautiful baobabs
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International Surfing Day
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Frozen fun in the Canadian cold
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Last stop before leaving the solar system
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World Population Day
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National Public Lands Day
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Petrified Forest National Park
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Here s looking at you
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Splügen Pass, Switzerland
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Siblings Day
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Today is World Refugee Day
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’Chess on ice’
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World Theatre Day
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Protecting Alaska
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Patriot Day
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Happy 300th, NOLA!
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Beech trees and wild anemones, Jutland, Denmark
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It s Slovenia s Independence and Unity Day
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World Bicycle Day
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Welcome to the Hoh
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Fall for birding
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Jane’s Carousel delights
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A red knot on the Shetland Islands, Scotland
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A shell of many colors
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Extraterrestrial Culture Day