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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Happy anniversary to the National Park Service!
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Giving Tuesday
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Kiteboarding and windsurfing in Croatia
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Bathing in the light of Pride
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Black History Month
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World Book Day
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Earth Day
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It s Republic Day in India
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The Spirit of Harlem by Louis Delsarte
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A stunning national park in winter white
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Kangaroo family for National Hugging Day
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Canadian Thanksgiving
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It s National Camera Day. Get the picture?
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Can you see the family resemblance?
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A crane for good luck in today’s big game
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Wildebeest on the move
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Earth Day and National Park Week
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Pi Day
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The Wall for Peace
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America s Playground by Derrick Adams
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Terraced fields of green
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A tale of almonds and bees
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Party like it’s 5779
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Vietnam’s new bridge deserves a big hand
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World Whale Day
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San Francisco Bay salt flats
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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National Hug Day
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International Museum Day
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Bridge to infinity