Suricate Sentinel

Pastel on Canson pastel paper (Sold)

32cm W x 45cm H
The Meerkat (Suricata suricatta) is a highly intelligent omnivore (standing only about 25 – 30cm from head to rump) found in southern Africa. The dark patches around their eyes help cut down on the sun’s glare, and their thin fur and dark skin on their stomachs assists them to control body temperature. Their diet consists of insects, lizards, birds, and fruit. When hunting small game, they work together and communicate with purring sounds. As they forage for insects and other prey, they bury their heads in the sand, so they need a reliable and trusted sentry to be on the alert for predatory snakes, hawks, eagles and jackals. This curious upright stance keeps the rest of the gang safe.