Meerkat babies look out of a hole in their enclosure at the zoo in Erfurt, Germany. The babies were born on July 17. Picture: AP Photo/Jens Meyer

Facts about Meerkats:

As an adult they stand at only 12 inches tall. They live in groups of 20-50 extended family members in large underground tunnels.

Meerkats are specially adapted to living in the harsh desert environment. Dark patches around their eyes help them be effective lookouts by reducing the glare of the sun, much like a baseball player who paints dark lines beneath his eyes. Their eyes also allow them to take in a wide angle view of the scene. This helps prevent predators from gaining an advantage by sneaking up. Meerkats also possess special adaptations to help them burrow. Their eyes have a clear protective membrane that shields them from dirt while digging and they can close their ears tight when digging to keep dirt out.

To learn more visit : http://www.animalfactguide.com/animal-facts/meerkat/#sthash.K7PCZ2MJ.dpuf