Suricata is a monotypic genus of mongoose, family Herpestidae, endemic to Africa, with the meerkat, Suricata suricatta, as its only living species; an extinct species, Suricata major, is known from South Africa roughly 1.8 million years ago. The meerkat is the sole extant member of this mongoose genus.
Facts
Taxonomic Rank Scientific Name Member Species/Taxa Count Geographic Distribution Defining CharacteristicsHistorically included a second species; the extinct Suricata major is known from South Africa from about 1.8 million years ago, with the meerkat as the only species alive today 2 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceSlender bodied, 245 to 290 mm from head to rump with a tail 190 to 240 mm long 1 Sources
1. Suricata suricatta - Animal Diversity Web
Physical Description sectionQuote, Physical Description section
They are 245 to 290 mm from head to rump, with slender bodies and tails that are 190 to 240 mm in length.
2. Suricata - Wikipedia
Lead sentence
Suricata is a genus of mongoose that is endemic to Africa.
Lead sentence, genus name
Suricata is a genus of mongoose that is endemic to Africa.
Lead sentence, distribution clause
Suricata is a genus of mongoose that is endemic to Africa.
Species section, living species sentence
The only species alive is the meerkat (Suricata suricatta).
Species section, fossil species sentence
The oldest species known is the extinct Suricata major that lived about 1.8 million years ago in South Africa.
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