The social structures and behaviors of meerkat colonies

Meerkats mob predators, using group displays and attacks to intimidate or drive them away, per *National Geographic*.

Subordinate males may be expelled or killed if they challenge the dominant male, maintaining hierarchy, per *Animal Diversity Web*.

Burrows provide shelter, protection from predators, and a place for communal living, per *BBC Nature*.

Grooming strengthens social bonds, reducing conflict and reinforcing hierarchy, per *San Diego Zoo*.

Subordinate females may lactate to nurse the dominant female’s pups, ensuring their survival, per *Animal Diversity Web*.

Meerkats emit a high-pitched alarm call for aerial threats, prompting the colony to dive for cover, per *National Geographic*.

Non-breeding adults act as babysitters, guarding and feeding pups while parents forage, per *BBC Nature*.

Sentinels stand on high ground to watch for predators, alerting the colony with barks, per *San Diego Zoo*.

The dominant female, or matriarch, leads the colony and typically only breeds with the dominant male, per *Animal Diversity Web*.

Meerkat colonies usually consist of 20–50 members, including a dominant pair, subordinates, and pups, per *National Geographic*.