At just 0.6–1 kg, the Meerkat is one of the lightest omnivore mammals (#30 of 33). Found in Kalahari Desert, Africa, it inhabits arid regions habitats.
Physical Characteristics & Habitat
Size & Speed
| Metric | Meerkat | Omnivore Mammals Median | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.8 kg | 12 kg | ↓ 93% |
| Height | 30 cm | — | — |
| Top Speed | 32 km/h | 35 km/h | ↓ 9% |
| Avg Speed | 32 km/h | — | — |
Habitat & Distribution
The Meerkat inhabits arid regions habitats. It can be found in Kalahari Desert, Africa.
Typical coloring: Brown, Tan.
Diet & Predators
Behavior & Reproduction
Social Structure
The Meerkat is a social groups species belonging to the Herpestidae family.
Reproduction
Conservation & Comparison
IUCN Conservation Status
LC The Meerkat is classified as Least Concern. There are 66 species with the same status in our database.
Species Comparison
Among 34 omnivore mammals, the Meerkat’s weight of 0.6–1 kg is significantly lower than the group median of 12 kg.
Weight rank: #57 of 66 Least Concern species.
| # | Species | Weight | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Humpback Whale | Up to 30000 kg | LC |
| 2 | Walrus | Up to 1200 kg | LC |
| 3 | Yak | 500–1200 kg | LC |
| 4 | Water Buffalo | 300–1200 kg | LC |
| 5 | Zebra | 400–900 kg | LC |
Related Species
How much does a Meerkat weigh?
A Meerkat typically weighs 0.6–1 kg, which is exceptionally low compared to the median of 12 kg among omnivore mammals.
What is the conservation status of the Meerkat?
The Meerkat is classified as “Least Concern”. There are 66 species with the same status in our database.
Where does the Meerkat live?
The Meerkat is found in Kalahari Desert, Africa, in arid regions habitats.
How does the Meerkat reproduce?
The Meerkat has a gestation period of 70–73 days and typically produces 2-5 offspring per birth.
Data Sources: IUCN, WWF, National Geographic, Smithsonian Institution.
Last Updated: April 10, 2026