scientific name
suricata suricatta
size/weight/height
Head/Body/Length: 10in. -14in.
tail : ~10in.
Weight: 2lbs.
adaptations/coloration
Color: narrow pointed muzzle series of dark stripes running crosswise on back, shoulder and tail lower parts of head and body grizzled yellowish brown or pale gray tail brown darker towards tip with black tuft of hairs at end
Ears: black
Eyes: black rings around eyes
behavior
diurnal
Sociable: live in colonies (avg. 24 but up to 30) often with other mongoose species, ground squirrels or small rodents
Vocalization: chatters a lot
Duties: specialized, e.g hunter, sentry, teacher, babysitter
Burrows: as deep as 10ft
Sleep: in burrows at night
Droppings: deposited in a shared place
reproduction/lifespan
Lifespan: ~10yrs.
Breeding: mate throughout year
Gestation: 11 weeks
Litter: 2-4 young
Nursed: 8-12 weeks
Sexual Maturity: ~ 1 yr.
diet
Wild: omnivore; insects millipedes, spiders, grubs, lizards, snails, bulbs, roots
Zoo: feline meat, dog chow supplemented with crickets, mealworms etc...
habitat/range
arid open plains and savanna of Southern Africa
oregon zoo exhibit