The Life of Animals | Meerkat | Meerkats Become sexually mature at about one year of age and can have one to five pups in a litter, with three pups being the most common litter size. The pups are allowed to leave the Burrow at three weeks old. When the pups are ready to emerge from the Burrow, the whole clan of meerkats Will stand around the Burrow to watch. Lasts approximately 11 weeks' gestation and the young are born within the underground Burrow and are altricial (undeveloped).
Often New meerkat groups are formed by evicted females pairing with roving males. If the members of the alpha group are relatives (this tends to Happen When The alpha female dies and is succeeded by a daughter), They do not mate with each other and reproduction is by group females stray-ing with roving males from other groups; in this situation, pregnant females growing niche to kill and eat any pups born to other females.
Meerkats are small Burrowing animals, living in large underground networks with multiple entrances During the which They leave only the day. They are very social, living in Colonies averaging 20-30 members. Animals in the same group regularly Groom each other to strengthen social bonds. Most meerkats in a group are all siblings or offspring of the alpha pair.
Meerkats demonstrate altruistic behavior within Their Colonies; one or more meerkats stand sentry while others are foraging or playing, to warn of approaching dangers Them. The sentry meerkat is the first to reappear from the Burrow and search for predators, Constantly Barking to keep the others underground. Meerkats also babysit the young in the group. That Females have never produced offspring of Their Often updates from lactate to feed the alpha pair's young, while the alpha female is away with the rest of the group. They also protect the young from threats, endangering Often Their own lives. On warning of danger, the babysitter takes the young underground to safety and is prepared to defend Them if the danger follows.
Like many species, meerkat young learn by observing and mimicking adult behavior though adults also engage in active instruction. Subordinate meerkats have been seen killing the offspring of more senior members in order to Improve Their own offspring's position.
