Meerkat: The World's Most Murderous Mammal
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24 November 2024
Meerkats, the charismatic, social mammals of Africa's Kalahari Desert, hold a surprising and somewhat sinister title: the most murderous mammal
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Studies show that meerkats have the highest rate of intraspecies killing among mammals
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They are known to kill each other's pups, especially if they're not related
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This behaviour is rooted in their complex social structures. Dominant females often eliminate offspring of subordinates to ensure resources for their own pups
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Infighting for hierarchy and territory also contributes to their violent tendencies
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Meerkats frequently engage in violent battles for dominance, often resulting in serious injuries or death
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They are fiercely protective of their territories and will fight to the death to defend them against rival groups
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In some cases, meerkats have been observed eating the bodies of their dead group members or even killing and eating weaker or injured meerkats
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Meerkats have a relatively high mortality rate, with up to 50% of pups dying in their first year, often due to violence or neglect
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