Sentinel Meerkat
by Carla Parris
Title
Sentinel Meerkat
Artist
Carla Parris
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
SENTINEL MEERKAT is a digital photograph by Carla Parris.
Meerkats, also called suricates, are small, weasel-like, burrowing animals which are members of the mongoose family.
Meerkats are well suited for digging. They have long, nonretractable claws on each of their four toes on each foot; ears that close to keep sand out while digging; and a special membrane on their eyes to protect them while burrowing.
To keep safe while foraging, meerkats take turns as look-outs, standing upright on two legs, using their tail to balance, on a high rock or mound.
While things are safe, the guard emits a low, constant peeping, known as the watchman�s song. When a predator is spotted, the sentry gives a warning bark or whistle so that group members can take refuge in holes scattered throughout their territory.
Meerkats have long horizontal pupils which give them a wide range of vision. The dark patches around their eyes reduce the glare from the sun.
This gentle looking meerkat was photographed at the San Diego zoo in southern California.
Uploaded
September 20th, 2011
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Viewed 321 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 03/29/2024 at 9:40 AM
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Comments (20)
Carla Parris
Thanks, Marsha. You know, you're absolutely right. He is both at once!! Very perceptive observation!
Marsha Heiken
Carla.He is ugly and cute at that the same time. The show is amazing. Wow,good one. Hugs,Marsha vf Thanks hun
Carla Parris
I've seen quite a few programs on them, too. My husband is a big fan of nature programs, and also has a particular fondness for meerkats. :)
HEIDI HOROWITZ
carla, i am obsessed with meerkats! they are so humanlike, (mostly adolescent like)..greattt shot!!
Carla Parris
Barbara, I think he was just doing his lookout job, but it worked for me! Thanks for the vote and comment!
Carla Parris
Hi, Lori. This is a meerkat, and this fella, on lookout, is a sentinel meerkat. These animals live in highly organized groups, and diffferent ones have different jobs. And this particular one does have a great smiling face, doesn't he?
OLena Art
He's looking so wise and he's probably is very wise creature and there is compassion in his eyes, isn't? Carla, so good to know you! I put you on my watch list ;) all images are my fav!!