During the summer months in the Kalahari when resources for the meerkats are plentiful, subordinate females may be allowed to breed without eviction. This was detailed in the January 2026 Meerkatter with focus on Gold Diggers six pregnant subordinate females.
In January, Gold Diggers dominant female Goldeneye (VGDF007) gave birth to four surviving pups. Five pups of Lazuli dominant female Masiiwa (VLF308) emerged in January, as did five pups from Trackie-Daks dominant female Refilwe (VTDF041).
Female dominance remains unconfirmed at Elrond’s Council. Male dominance is still unconfirmed at Vetkoeks as well. Vetkoeks pup Evans (VVKM038) died from injuries sustained in an accident.
At Whiskers, sub-adult subordinate female Luna (VWF279) immigrated back into the group.
January marked the beginning of new instances of tuberculosis (TB) in some of the Project’s meerkat groups. At Alba, Bibu (VALM014) was seen to have a submandibular lump and more lumps on his groin and armpits upon his return from a group split. Elrond’s Council is suffering from advanced TB. Affected individuals are dominant male Jonsnow (VECM070), yearling subordinate male Seven (VECM069) and yearling subordinate female Nalane (VECF067).
Click here for the January 2026 Meerkatter.
Find the January 2026 Life History Chart here.