Meerkat

[ExFmem]

Thanks nan and Amoli You're a fast learner Amoli!
(It would have been funny if you had kept posting pics of different animals like squirrels, AWC, etc etc.... )

[Flutterby]

[Amoli]

we call that : SOH...

[ExFmem]

I love a good spoof, would have been a hoot if you could have played it "straight"... -O -O
Okay, back on topic...

[ExFmem]

Behavior - Competitiveness:
Meerkats are very territorial and will fiercely defend their home from other meerkat gangs.



They have scent pouches below their tails and rub these pouches on rocks and plants to mark their territory. The territories of different groups often overlap, resulting in constant disputes. When two groups meet for a face-off, the results can be tragic. Meerkats are vicious fighters that often kill each other in these skirmishes. Knowing the high cost of an all-out war, they try to avoid serious conflict if possible. Usually, a lot of aggressive posturing and bluffing precedes any physical contact. These wars can look a bit like the human battles of yesteryear: both sides line up across a field and, at the right moment, charge forward with leaps and bounds, holding their tail rigid and straight up in the air. Every third or fourth leap, they arch their back and thrust their rear legs backward like a bucking bronco. Whichever side has the most threatening display in their charge may “psych out” the opponents. Still, meerkats groups have been known to accept outside individuals into their mob.

[Lisbeth]

Do you have a pic of a fierce territorial fight?

[nan]

this one marking territory is very interesting

[ExFmem]

Do you have a pic of a fierce territorial fight?

uhm...sort of...tho' I didn't actually TAKE the videos But if you'd like to sponsor me on a research trip, I'd give it serious consideration!

http://www.arkive.org/meerkat/suricata- ... o-12b.html

[nan]

superb, the first one... like a "ranged" fight
the second, not so good quality (for me)... but I watched this one with the Owl
thanks for the links

[Lisbeth]

Nice ones ExF I always wonder how they know the difference between enemy and friend