In the open savannah and desert landscape where these animals naturally live, birds of prey are their greatest threat. That is why there is always at least one group member on the lookout. Sitting up straight or even standing on their hind legs, this watchman searches the sky for birds of prey. In the meantime, the other animals can quietly look for food or play, because in case of danger they are warned. A group of meerkats usually consists of one dominant pair with their offspring. Only the dominant male and female are allowed to reproduce.
Meerkats can easily look straight at the bright sun when they are standing on their observation post. The black spots around the eyes of meerkats act like sunglasses.