Meerkats live in large family groups numbering around 40. They dig burrows with up to 15 entrances and a network of tunnels that can reach a depth of 1.5m.
 
During the day, Meerkats search for food at ground level, with one or more members of the groups taking it in turns to keep watch, often from the top of a mound with a clear view of the surroundings. Sitting on their back paws, the sentinels sound the alarm when danger strikes on the ground or in the air by letting out cries that get louder and faster as the predator approaches. Then the whole of the group runs to shelter in the burrow.
 
All adults in the group help take care of and educate the young, who become independent at the age of about one year.
 
The species is not currently endangered in the wild.