Usually during all this hustle and inquisitiveness, there is one meerkat, known as the sentry, who is keeping an eye on the horizon and the group. They eat insects, spiders, scorpions, centipedes, snakes, lizards, birds, small mammals, eggs, snails and seasonal fruits. Meerkats may be more resistant to the venoms of snakes and some insects, allowing them to capture and eat thes animals. The meerkat's gestation period is approximately 77 days, and they can give birth to litters of 2 to 5 young. The young are born sparsely furred and blind, opening their eyes at about two weeks.
Mongooses are a widespread and successful group.
No species of mongoose is known to be in danger of extinction although some species of mongoose have been persecuted by man.