Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, Botswana, Africa

Two Meerkats sentinels scan the area for any potential predators for their clan. The baby Meerkat sits right behind the adult Meerkat.

copyright Anette Mossbacher, 15 July, 2023

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This photograph was captured with a Canon EOS-1D Mark III and a lens. The following settings were used:

  • Aperture: ƒ/8
  • Exposure time: 1/1250s
  • ISO: 1000
  • Focal Length: 165mm

The original photograph has the following dimensions: 3674 by 2449 pixels (WxH).

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Two Meerkat sentinels scan the area for any signs of imminent danger. The adult Meerkat is standing up in its famous position. While the cub sits behind it with its back turned towards the camera. The foreground with the immediate shrubbery and Meerkats is in focus. The background is blurry to emphasize the subject matter.

Cute Meerkats

Meerkats never cease to put a smile on my face, and I could watch their antics for hours. Their claim to fame in Hollywood is Timone from the significant production of the Lion King. As loved as the character is, so are the real-life little creatures. Their endless personality, curiosity, and tenacity make them so adorable.

Although they are family-orientated, there is a hierarchy with a dominant male and female that make sure they stay dominant. The dominant female needs helpers to look after her young. Therefore, she will behave extremely hostile towards other subordinate females if they try to breed. This behavior produces endocrine effects that prevent them from ovulating.

Additionally, if this is unsuccessful, she will proceed to fight her subordinates during their estrus cycle or pregnancy. Unfortunately, she will also sometimes kill off their pups if they have given birth.

Meerkats, Suricata suricatta, are in the category least concern on the IUCN red list.

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1 comment for Two Meerkats Sentinels Scan The Area

  1. Jacques

    They look like they’re up to no good

    • Anette Mossbacher

      Meerkats always have some fun in their mind, Jacques. Thank you.

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