The animal in the photo above is a Meerkat (or Suricat). They dwell mostly in the dry and arid places of the Southern part of Africa. Meerkats are a member of the Mongoose family and they live in underground colonies with 20- 50 members per clan.
We traveled specifically to Tswalu Kalahari because of my desire to see these little critters. These animals are known for being pretty skittish (you would be too, if you were surrounded by creatures that considered you to be food), and Tswalu is one place where you can get close to them because they are habitualized. This means simply that they have become accustomed to seeing humans and don't view them as a threat. Tswalu is one of the few places where researchers spend time with the Meerkats on a daily basis, thus the habitualization.
As you can see, they were unfazed by Jeff laying right smack dab in the middle of them.
And so, this is where we found ourselves on a cool, South African winter's morning, sitting amongst a colony of Meerkats while they sunned themselves, trying to warm up after the cool evening, before they ventured out to forage food for the day. Because of their small size, they are prey to several animals, most of all, birds of prey. And so the meerkats have developed a system where a few of the clan members take on the Sentry role, looking out for danger, while the rest of the clan members go about their business. These sentries sit up on their hind legs and constantly scan the sky and landscape for danger. And as they turn and look, they make soft little chirruping noises that let other members know that all is well, everyone is safe. If danger is spotted they will make a loud and sharp alarm call. This cooperative effort helps keep the clan safe. Sentry duty lasts about one hour, and then another member of the clan takes over so that everyone has a chance to forage or sun themselves, or rest.
I can't even begin to describe how fun it was to sit with them that morning. I, however, did notice something funny that happened while I sat there. Of course, I'm there taking multiple photos, watching and observing the Meerkats as they begin to wake up and warm up. But, without really noticing what I was doing, I found myself following the movement of the sentries that were nearby. When they looked left, I found myself looking left, scanning the horizon. When they looked right, I once again found myself scanning the horizon to the right. I finally caught myself, when they looked up and I did so as well. It took the Meerkats all of about an hours time to turn me into a Meerkat sentry. I had stopped taking photos and had instead adopted the scanning method that they were using to spot possible danger. Too funny.
Eventually, the Meerkats were warmed up and ready to head off for the days foraging activities, and so, with reluctance, we left them to it. I will admit I wanted to see the Meerkats because they are almost comically cute. But, having sat with them in their environment, where danger abounds, I left with a sense of respect for this small animal. Despite their circumstances, the Meerkats are thriving in a harsh environment.
"If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." African Proverb
I think there are lessons to be learned in this world, even from a clan of Meerkats. So, here are life lessons I learned that day, from just observing a clan of very cute, but successful Meerkats.
1. Everyone takes a turn. Everyone takes a turn at being the sentry. Think about it. The sentry position is important, but probably isn't nearly as fun as foraging for food, or resting, or playing. The Sentry position requires a lot of work. It contains within it a lot of responsibility. A job well done results in life, a poor job can result in death. But everyone takes a turn. Everyone steps up to the plate.
2. Communication is important. The Meerkats have a pretty intricate system of chirrups, growls and calls that they use to communicate with each other. They have a specific warning call that indicates a predator is overhead. And they emit a different call when a predator is on the ground. Why? Because the tactics needed to deal with an overhead predator are vastly different than the tactics needed to avoid a predator who is on the ground. Also, these calls need to ring loud and clear, because when the clan is foraging, they often spread out over the area, and there isn't time for the sentries to go to each individual group member to tell them what is going on. It is equally important that the clan members who are not on Sentry duty keep one ear open to hear what the sentries are communicating. In other words, they need to listen to each other.
3. Knowledge needs to be shared. Older Meerkats have built up a certain amount of tolerance to a few types of venom. The most notable venom immunity is to a particular type of scorpion. The theory exists that they have built up this immunity over time due to regularly consuming scorpions as part of their diet. However, new pups don't yet have this immunity. Therefore, the adults in the clan will teach the pups how to safely remove the stingers from the scorpion before consuming them. Without this knowledge, a pup can be mortally stung. The adults teach the pups how to recognize danger, what to do when danger comes, how and where to find food and so on.... And, it is important to note that in order for the pups survival, they must be willing to learn these skills from those who are older.
4. Cooperation. Together we are better. The answer to the Meerkats success lies in their cooperative behavior. Everyone plays a role in guarding the clan. Everyone takes a turn at sentry duty, so that everyone has an opportunity to eat, rest, and play. When the clan leaves the colony to forage, the sentries go out first, and find a high place from which they can observe where they are going. When the sentries are in position, and feel like it is safe, they call to the rest of the clan, who then all come running forward and begin to forage. Safety isn't an individual thing, it's a clan thing. They all participate in feeding and caring for the young. All the members make sure to pass on their knowledge to the youngsters. When hunting larger prey items, the clan hunt cooperatively together, thus ensuring a greater measure of success for all. Cooperation is essential in Meerkat life.
So this week, lets all take a moment to learn some important life lessons from a clan of Meerkats. Let's look for opportunities to take our turn. Let's communicate in effective and meaningful ways. Let's share our knowledge and be willing to learn from others. And finally, let's cooperate with those around us so that we all may benefit. I'm praying that you have a fantastic and successful week!
I'll leave you with a few more Meerkat photos. They really are kind of cute.
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