06 WILD BEASTS OF THE WORLD 



resembles the Indian Mongoose, and was the species which gained 

 so much reputation by destroying the eggs of the Crocodile, as well 

 as by its combats with snakes. 



The typical Mongooses number about a score of species, found in 

 various parts of Africa and Asia, and there are a number of little 

 animals more or less closely allied to them, which cannot be particu- 

 larised here, with one exception. 



THE MEERKAT 



(Suricata tetradactyla) 



THE Meerkat is sometimes known as the Suricate, but the above is its 

 name in its own country, South Africa, where it is a very familiar 

 animal. In size, it resembles a half-grown kitten ; its coat is close, 

 and banded with black and brown, and its tail covered with particularly 

 short hair, chestnut at the root and black at the tip, so that it is very 

 different from the brush of the Mongoose. The eyes also differ much, 

 being large and dark, while the ears .are very short and the head 

 round, with a pointed snout. There are only four toes on each foot. 



The Meerkat is a burrowing animal, living in colonies, and in many 

 ways resembles the Prairie Marmot (Cynomys ludovicianus) of North 

 America, which is interesting, seeing that the latter is a rodent and 

 the former a carnivore. The Meerkat, however, is far less carnivorous 

 than the Mongooses, feeding largely on bulbous roots, which it scratches 

 up, and, though readily feeding on little animals, not attacking large 

 prey. It is thus a more convenient pet, and is often kept in that 

 capacity, both in Africa and here ; it has produced young in captivity. 



This animal is remarkably fond of the sun, and basks in a peculiar 

 manner, sitting up like a Dog begging. It also frequently stands quite 

 up on its toes, being much more inclined to assume an erect position 

 than most quadrupeds, though the Mongoose does this also to a small 

 extent. 



