Meerkat , burrowing member of the mongoose family found in southwestern Africa that is unmistakably recognizable in its upright ‘sentinel’ posture as it watches for predators. The meerkat is slender and has a pointed little face, tiny ears, and black eye patches. Learn about the meerkat , a small, social mammal native to southern Africa. Discover its physical characteristics, habitat, diet, reproduction, predators, evolution, and relationship with humans. Basic facts about Meerkat : lifespan, distribution and habitat map, lifestyle and social behavior, mating habits, diet and nutrition, population size and status. Meerkat facts: learn about these amazing creatures, with facts about the meerkat ’s characteristics, habitat, diet, behaviour and defense mechanisms.