Meerkat: History, Facts, Size, Habitat, Classification & Much More

By Morgan Gutierrez

Do you know about the meerkat? It is a fascinating animal that has captured the attention of many people around the world. In this blog post, we will explore the history, facts, size, habitat, and classification of the meerkat.

Meerkats have a rich history dating back thousands of years. They are native to the southern parts of Africa and have been a source of intrigue and fascination for centuries. Meerkats are known for their social nature and their ability to work together in groups called mobs or gangs.

In terms of size, meerkats are relatively small animals. They typically measure about 10 to 14 inches tall and weigh around 1 to 2 pounds. Despite their small size, meerkats are known for their agility and speed, making them excellent hunters.

When it comes to habitat, meerkats prefer dry, open areas like grasslands and deserts. They are well-suited to these environments due to their excellent digging skills, which help them find food and create burrows for shelter.

In terms of classification, meerkats belong to the mongoose family. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with their slender bodies, long tails, and pointed snouts.

In this blog post, we have provided an introduction to the meerkat, covering its history, facts, size, habitat, and classification. Stay tuned for more interesting articles on different animal species as we have already covered over 155+ Animals Name. So keep reading to expand your knowledge of the animal kingdom!

History of Meerkat

Meerkats are small mammals that are native to the desert regions of Africa. They are known for their slender bodies, short legs, and distinctive markings, including dark patches around their eyes. Meerkats live in groups called mobs or clans, which consist of several families. These families work together to ensure the safety and well-being of the entire group.

Meerkats are highly social animals and have a complex social structure. Each clan is led by an alpha pair, which are the dominant male and female. Other members of the group help with various tasks, such as babysitting, foraging for food, and keeping watch for potential dangers. Meerkats have a unique way of communicating with each other, using a series of calls and signals to alert the group to potential threats or opportunities.

To survive in their harsh desert environment, meerkats have developed various adaptations. They dig extensive burrow systems, which not only offer protection from predators but also help regulate their body temperature. Meerkats are diurnal, which means they are active during the day and rest in their burrows at night. They have excellent vision, which allows them to spot predators from a distance, and they also use their keen sense of smell to locate food, such as insects, small rodents, and even scorpions.

In conclusion, meerkats are fascinating animals that have adapted to survive in the challenging desert environment. Their complex social structure, unique communication methods, and remarkable adaptations make them a truly remarkable species. By working together in a coordinated manner, meerkats are able to thrive in the harsh conditions of the African desert.

Importance of Meerkat

Meerkats are important animals because they play a vital role in their ecosystem. These small creatures are known for their incredible teamwork and social behavior. Meerkats live in groups called mobs or gangs, and they work together to hunt for food, protect their young, and keep watch for predators.

One important contribution of meerkats is their role in controlling the population of insects and other small animals. They have a diverse diet that includes bugs, spiders, scorpions, and small reptiles. By feeding on these creatures, meerkats help maintain a balanced ecosystem and prevent an overpopulation of certain species. This is especially important in environments like deserts, where food resources can be scarce.

Meerkats also play a crucial role in their habitat by being sentinel animals. They take turns standing on their hind legs, scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger such as approaching predators. By being vigilant guards, meerkats help protect not only themselves but also other animals in their habitat. Their sharp eyesight and distinct alarm calls are essential for early warning, ensuring the safety of their whole group.

In conclusion, meerkats are important for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. They control the population of small animals, contributing to the balance of nature, and serve as sentinels by being on the lookout for potential threats. These unique traits make meerkats an essential part of their ecosystem and highlight the importance of preserving their habitats for future generations to enjoy.

Amazing Facts About Meerkat

1. Meerkats are small mammals that belong to the mongoose family.
2. They are native to the southern parts of Africa, such as the Kalahari Desert.
3. Meerkats have a slender body with short legs and a tapered tail, which helps them balance when standing.
4. These animals have a distinct coat pattern with sandy to light brown fur and dark rings around their eyes, which help reduce glare from the sun.
5. Meerkats are highly social animals and live in groups called mobs or clans, which can consist of up to 30 individuals.
6. Their social structure is hierarchical, with an alpha pair at the top who are the dominant breeders.
7. Meerkats have excellent teamwork skills and work together to forage for food, protect their territory, and take care of their young ones.
8. These creatures have a diverse diet that includes insects, spiders, scorpions, small reptiles, and even small mammals.
9. Meerkats have long, sharp claws that they use for digging burrows, which serve as shelter from predators and extreme weather conditions.
10. They are known for their distinctive upright stance, where they stand on their hind legs to keep watch for potential threats while others forage or rest.
11. Meerkats are diurnal, meaning they are mostly active during daylight hours and rest in their burrows at night.
12. They have excellent eyesight and can spot danger from a considerable distance, including birds of prey and other potential predators.
13. Meerkats communicate through various vocalizations, including alarm calls, contact calls, and purring sounds, to coordinate activities and warn their group of danger.
14. These animals have a relatively high tolerance to venom and are known to hunt and eat venomous creatures without being harmed.
15. Meerkat family members take turns being the lookout, ensuring the safety of the entire group while others are busy with different tasks like hunting or caring for the young.

Can we keep Meerkat as our Pet?

Keeping a meerkat animal as a pet is not recommended, as they are not suitable for domestication. Meerkats are wild animals that naturally live in the African deserts and grasslands. They belong to the mongoose family and have adapted to life in the wild over millions of years.

Firstly, meerkats have complex social structures and live in large groups called mobs or clans. They rely on each other for survival, hunting, and protection. In captivity, it would be challenging to replicate the social interactions and environmental conditions necessary for a meerkat to thrive. This could lead to stress, loneliness, and behavioral problems, affecting their physical and mental well-being.

Secondly, meerkats have specific dietary requirements in the wild. They primarily feed on insects, small vertebrates, and even some plants. Providing an appropriate and nutritionally balanced diet for a meerkat in captivity would be difficult. Additionally, their natural predatory instincts may pose risks to other household pets or even our own safety.

Lastly, it is important to note that meerkats are not extinct. However, some related species within the mongoose family are endangered due to factors such as habitat loss, climate change, and illegal wildlife trade. Conserving their natural habitats and supporting efforts to protect these animals in the wild is crucial rather than keeping them as pets.

To summarize, meerkats are not suitable as pets due to their wild nature, complex social structures, specific dietary requirements, and the challenges of domestication. It is best to appreciate and admire these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats, ensuring their conservation and protection for future generations to admire as well.

Size of Meerkat

Meerkats are small animals that belong to the mongoose family. They have a compact and slender build, with an average size of about 10 to 14 inches in length. That’s about the size of a ruler or a large loaf of bread! They weigh around 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, which is similar to the weight of a small bag of sugar or flour.

Despite their small size, meerkats have long and strong legs that allow them to run swiftly across the ground. They have a long, thin, and bushy tail that helps them balance while standing or moving around. Meerkats also have a small head with round ears and sharp, black eyes that provide them with excellent vision.

In comparison to other animals, meerkats are relatively small. They are much smaller than dogs or cats, which can be several times their size. However, their small size doesn’t stop them from being highly adaptable and efficient hunters. Meerkats have strong senses, including a keen sense of smell, that help them find food and detect any possible threats.

Overall, meerkats are fascinating creatures known for their petite size. Their small bodies and agile movements make them perfect for digging tunnels and hunting in the desert. Despite their size, these little animals have big hearts and social lives, living in groups called mobs or clans where they work together to survive in the wild.

Habitat of Meerkat

Meerkats are small mammals that live in the sandy plains and deserts of southern Africa. They make their homes in burrows that they dig themselves. These burrows are like intricate underground tunnels and can have many chambers. The meerkat habitat is extremely important to their survival.

The meerkat habitat is usually found in dry and hot climates. They prefer areas with loose soil or sand, as it is easier for them to dig their burrows. These burrows can be quite deep, allowing the meerkats to escape from predators and extreme temperatures. The burrows also provide them with protection from the harsh desert winds and sandstorms.

Within their burrows, meerkats create a network of tunnels that lead to different chambers. These chambers serve different purposes, such as sleeping, eating, grooming, and raising their young. The meerkats take turns standing guard at the burrow entrance to watch out for predators while the others go about their daily activities. They have a strong sense of community and work together to keep their burrows clean and safe.

In summary, the meerkat habitat is found in the dry and hot regions of southern Africa. They live in burrows that they dig themselves in loose soil or sand. These burrows provide them protection from predators, extreme temperatures, and sandstorms. The meerkats work together to maintain their burrows and keep their community safe.

Evolution of Meerkat

Meerkats have a fascinating evolutionary history that dates back millions of years. These cute and social creatures belong to the mongoose family, and their ancestors lived in the African grasslands. Over time, they adapted to the harsh desert environment and evolved into the meerkats we know today.

In the beginning, meerkats’ ancestors were solitary animals, but as time passed, they started living in small groups called mobs. This social behavior helped them to survive in the wild. Living in mobs meant that they could divide different tasks among themselves and watch out for predators. They developed a complex communication system, using various sounds and movements to warn and guide each other.

The desert habitat played a crucial role in the evolution of meerkats. To adapt to the extreme temperatures and scarcity of water, they developed an impressive set of skills and physical features. Meerkats have large eyes that help them spot prey and predators from afar. Moreover, they have a keen sense of smell, which helps them find food in the arid desert. Their long and slender bodies allow them to move quickly and easily through the sand.

In conclusion, meerkats have come a long way in their evolution. From solitary animals to living in mobs and adapting to the desert, they have developed unique behaviors and physical traits that make them perfectly suited for their environment. Their social nature, communication skills, and physical adaptations continue to make them one of the most fascinating animals in the animal kingdom.

Classification of Meerkat

The meerkat is a small mammal that belongs to the mongoose family. They are known for their slender bodies, long tails, and alert behavior. Meerkats are native to the deserts and grasslands of southern Africa. They live in groups called mobs or gangs and work together to find food and protect their territory.

Meerkats are part of the animal kingdom, which is the largest classification group for all living organisms. Within the animal kingdom, they belong to the phylum chordata, which includes all animals with a spinal cord. Meerkats are further classified into the class mammalia because they are warm-blooded, have mammary glands to feed their young, and have hair or fur on their bodies.

Within the class mammalia, meerkats fall into the order carnivora, meaning they are meat-eaters. They have sharp teeth and claws that they use for hunting and catching their prey, which mainly consists of insects, small reptiles, and sometimes even birds or mammals. In the family herpestidae, meerkats are grouped together with other mongoose species, all of which have similar physical features and behaviors.

Finally, meerkats are classified into the genus suricata and the species suricatta. This specific classification indicates that they are a unique species within the mongoose family. The scientific name for the meerkat, suricatta, comes from the Dutch word for “little squirrel” since their body shape and way of moving sometimes resemble that of a squirrel.

In summary, meerkats are small mammals that belong to the mongoose family. They are classified within the animal kingdom, phylum chordata, class mammalia, order carnivora, family herpestidae, and genus suricata. Meerkats have sharp teeth, a slender body, and work together in mobs to find food and protect their territory.

How did Meerkat Extinct?

1. Meerkats are small mammals that belong to the mongoose family, native to the African continent. They have a distinctive appearance with a slender body, squirrel-like tail, and a pointed snout.

2. These captivating animals live in large groups called clans or mobs, consisting of around 20 to 50 individuals. They work together to ensure the safety and survival of the group.

3. Meerkats are highly sociable and communicate through a variety of vocalizations, body language, and even scent markings. This enables them to coordinate activities such as foraging, grooming, and keeping watch for potential predators.

4. One of the most impressive characteristics of meerkats is their cooperative hunting behavior. They take turns standing on their hind legs, scanning their surroundings for prey, while others dig burrows to search for insects, small reptiles, or mammals.

5. The meerkat’s diet primarily consists of insects, but they are opportunistic and will also consume small vertebrates, eggs, plant matter, and even scorpions. Their ability to adapt their diet allows them to survive in a variety of environments.

6. Meerkats are well-known for their digging abilities. They have strong claws and use their front paws to excavate intricate underground burrows, which provide protection from extreme temperatures and predators.

7. When it comes to protection, meerkat colonies have a sentinel system in place. They assign one or more individuals to keep watch for potential threats while the others forage or rest. This helps to alert the group of danger in advance.

8. Despite their cuteness, meerkats are not recommended as pets. They are wild animals with specific needs and behaviors that are difficult to replicate in a domestic setting. It is important to respect their natural habitat and observe them from a distance.

9. Meerkats have excellent eyesight and can easily spot prey or predators from a distance. Their eyes are positioned forward, allowing for binocular vision and accurate depth perception, which is crucial for their survival in the wild.

10. These resourceful creatures are equipped with adaptations that allow them to survive in hostile environments. They have a thin coat of fur, well-suited for regulating body temperature, and specialized eyelids that protect their eyes from sand and dust. Their physical and social characteristics make them one of the most fascinating animals found in nature.

Geographical Presence of Meerkat

Meerkats are most commonly found in the southern region of Africa, specifically in the countries of Botswana, Namibia, Angola, and South Africa. These smart and social creatures prefer to live in dry, open habitats like deserts, grasslands, and savannas. In these areas, they can dig their burrows and easily find the insects, small animals, and plant roots that make up their diet.

However, you won’t find meerkats in other parts of the world, as they are not native to any other regions. They are specially adapted to survive in the harsh conditions of southern Africa, where temperatures can be extreme and resources may be scarce. Meerkats rely on their strong social bonds and cooperative hunting techniques to increase their chances of survival in their natural habitat.

Although meerkats are not found naturally in other regions, they have gained popularity worldwide due to their appearance in documentaries, movies, and TV shows. Some people may keep meerkats as pets, but it is essential to remember that they are wild animals and may not thrive in domestic environments. It is important to respect their natural habitat and ensure their protection to ensure their long-term survival as a unique and valuable part of Africa’s biodiversity.

Scientific Name of Meerkat

The scientific name of the meerkat animal is Suricata suricatta. Meerkats belong to the mongoose family, and they are small carnivores that live in the deserts and grasslands of southern Africa. They are well-known for their cooperative behavior and their distinct features, such as their long, slender bodies, sharp claws, and dark patches around their eyes.

Meerkats are highly social animals, living in groups known as mobs or clans, which can consist of up to 40 individuals. They work together to protect themselves from predators, forage for food, and take care of the young ones. These small mammals have a complex communication system that allows them to warn each other of possible danger and coordinate their activities effectively.

Meerkats have adaptations that help them survive in their harsh habitat. They have non-retractable claws, which make it easier for them to dig burrows in the sandy soil where they live. Their keen eyesight enables them to spot both aerial threats, like birds of prey, and ground predators, like snakes. Meerkats also have a specialized diet, mainly consisting of insects, small reptiles, and fruits, allowing them to obtain the necessary nutrients to thrive in their environment.

In summary, the meerkat, scientifically known as Suricata suricatta, is a social and adaptable animal that has managed to survive in the challenging deserts and grasslands of southern Africa. Their cooperative behavior, keen senses, and unique physical characteristics make them fascinating creatures to study and admire.

Diet of Meerkat

Meerkats have a varied diet that consists mainly of insects and other small creatures. These tiny mammals are expert hunters and gatherers. They often eat beetles, spiders, scorpions, and other insects that are abundant in their habitat. Meerkats are known to dig into the ground to find their prey and use their sharp claws to catch them.

In addition to insects, meerkats also enjoy eating small reptiles and birds. They are skilled at catching lizards, snakes, and even young birds that live in the same area. Meerkats have very good eyesight and can spot their prey from far away. They work together as a group, taking turns keeping watch for predators while others hunt for food.

Meerkats have a unique eating habit called “milk stealing.” When a meerkat mother has babies, she produces milk to feed them. Sometimes, other female meerkats will forcibly take the milk from the nursing mother’s teats. This behavior is believed to be a way for the group to ensure the survival of all the young meerkats. It might sound a little strange, but it’s one way these animals have adapted to their environment.

To sum it up, meerkats have a diverse diet that includes insects, reptiles, and small birds. They rely on their hunting skills and teamwork to gather food and stay nourished. Whether it’s digging for insects or engaging in unique milk-stealing behavior, meerkats show us how amazing and resourceful animals can be.

Locomotion of Meerkat

Meerkats are small animals that move around in a very interesting way. They have a unique style of locomotion which helps them in searching for food and staying safe from predators.

When meerkats walk, they use all four legs just like dogs and cats do. They move one leg at a time, and their movements are smooth and steady. Meerkats are also good at climbing. They can easily climb trees or rocks by using their sharp claws. This helps them to escape danger or to find food in high places. Meerkats are very fast runners too. They can sprint on their hind legs when they need to chase their prey or escape from predators faster. Their long tails help them maintain balance and stability while running.

In summary, meerkats use a combination of walking, climbing, and running to get from one place to another. Their body structure and abilities allow them to move swiftly and adapt to different terrains, helping them survive in the wild.

Social and Sexual Behaviour of Meerkat

Meerkats, known for their cute appearance and amusing antics, are fascinating animals found in the wilds of Africa. They have a complex social system, living in large family groups called mobs or gangs. These families usually consist of around 20 meerkats, led by an alpha pair, who are the dominant male and female. Their interactions are built on cooperation, communication, and division of labor.

Within these mob families, meerkats show remarkable teamwork and cooperation. They work together to dig burrows for shelter, hunt for food, and protect one another from predators. Meerkats take turns at sentry duty, where they stand on their hind legs watching out for danger while others search for food. Their communication is also exceptional; they use various vocalizations to relay important information and maintain group cohesion.

When it comes to their sexual behavior, meerkat social structure plays a significant role. The alpha pair are the only ones who usually mate and produce offspring within the group, as they have priority over reproductive rights. Occasionally, other members will mate outside the group, seeking to establish their own families. However, the alpha pair guards their exclusive rights, and any potential rival is driven away.

In summary, meerkats display intriguing social and sexual behaviors. They form close-knit groups where cooperation and communication are key. Within these groups, the alpha pair holds the dominant roles, with the female giving birth to their offspring. These little creatures teach us the importance of working together and looking after our loved ones, just like a meerkat family does.

Reproduction and Lifecycle of Meerkat

The meerkat is a small mammal that lives in the deserts of Africa. Like many animals, meerkats have a life cycle that includes reproduction. So, let’s learn about how these cute creatures have babies and grow up.

The meerkat’s life cycle begins when a male and female mate. The female meerkat gets pregnant and carries her babies in her womb for about 11 weeks. Then, she gives birth to a litter of about two to five pups. These little ones are blind and hairless when they are born. They depend on their mother’s milk for nourishment and their parents and other members of the clan, which is their family, take turns keeping an eye on them.

As the meerkat pups grow, they start exploring their surroundings and learn important skills from their family. At around one month old, they begin to eat solid food like insects and small reptiles. Their parents teach them to hunt and protect themselves from different dangers, such as other animals or harsh weather conditions. By six to eight weeks old, the young meerkats are already good at finding food and looking out for danger on their own.

As the meerkat pups continue to grow, they become more independent and start helping their clan. They take on tasks like babysitting, guarding the group, and finding food. Once the pups are around one year old, they become sexually mature and can have offspring of their own. And so, the life cycle of the meerkat continues, as the new generation starts their own families and take care of their own precious little pups.

Threats to Meerkat

Meerkats are adorable and fascinating creatures that live in the African deserts. However, these amazing animals face various threats that put their survival at risk.

One of the biggest threats to meerkats is habitat loss. As human populations and activities expand, more land is being cleared for agriculture, infrastructure, and urban development. This destruction of their natural habitat reduces the availability of food and shelter for meerkats. Additionally, it can lead to fragmentation of their habitats, making it harder for meerkat groups to find each other and increase their populations.

Another significant threat to meerkats is predation. They are small and vulnerable, making them easy targets for larger predators such as eagles, snakes, and jackals. These predators pose a constant danger to meerkats, as attack can occur at any time. Meerkats rely heavily on their strong social structure and group cooperation to protect each other from predators, but it is still a constant struggle for their survival.

Lastly, climate change also poses a threat to these adorable creatures. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns can have a detrimental impact on the meerkat’s food sources and water availability. This can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and even starvation. Climate change also disrupts the timing of key life events, such as breeding and migration, which can further impact meerkat populations.

In conclusion, meerkats face several threats to their survival, including habitat loss, predation, and climate change. It is crucial that we take steps to protect their habitats, decrease human-wildlife conflicts, and address the issues surrounding climate change. By doing so, we can ensure the continued existence of these lovable animals for future generations to enjoy.

Population of Meerkat

The population of meerkats, a type of small mammal living in Africa, is estimated to be around 600,000 individuals. These adorable creatures are known for their distinctive characteristics, such as their upright posture and keen social behavior. Meerkats live in large family groups, called mobs, which can consist of up to 50 members. Their main habitats include savannas and grasslands, where they dig intricate burrows for shelter and protection.

If the meerkat population were to become extinct, it would mean that there are no more of these animals left in the world. This could happen due to various reasons, such as habitat destruction or hunting by humans. Extinction means that an entire species is gone forever, and it is a sad event because it disrupts the balance of nature. It is important for humans to protect and conserve the habitats of animals like the meerkat to prevent them from becoming extinct.

In summary, meerkats are fascinating creatures with a population estimated to be around 600,000. If they were to become extinct, it would be a tragic loss for our planet. We must do our part to ensure their survival and protect their natural habitats.

Conclusion

All creatures great and small, the animal kingdom is full of fascinating beings that continuously amaze us with their unique traits. One such animal is the meerkat, a small mammal found in the deserts of Southern Africa. Meerkats belong to the mongoose family and are known for their adorable appearance and cooperative behavior.

These charming creatures are approximately the size of a small cat, weighing only about 2 to 3 pounds. With their slender bodies, pointy snouts, and long tails, meerkats have adapted perfectly to their harsh desert habitat. They live in underground burrows, digging complex networks of tunnels that keep them safe from the scorching sun and predators.

Classification-wise, meerkats fall under the scientific name Suricata suricatta. They are highly social animals, living in groups called clans or mobs, with each clan consisting of around 20 to 50 individuals. Working together is vital for their survival, as meerkats take turns standing guard and foraging for food. They have a diverse diet that includes insects, small reptiles, seeds, and even the occasional scorpion.

In conclusion, meerkats are fascinating creatures that have captivated the attention of animal enthusiasts worldwide. Their history, facts, size, habitat, and classification have shed light on their remarkable abilities and cooperative nature. These small but mighty animals teach us the importance of unity and teamwork, reminding us that together we can overcome any challenges that come our way. So, let’s cherish and protect these precious creatures along with the countless other amazing animals on our planet.

Frequently Asked Questions about Meerkat (FAQ’s)

Q: What is a meerkat?
A: A meerkat is a small mammal belonging to the mongoose family found in parts of southern Africa.

Q: What is the average size of a meerkat?
A: Meerkats usually measure about 10 to 14 inches (25-35 cm) in length, with an additional 7 to 10 inches (18-25 cm) for their tail.

Q: How much do meerkats weigh on average?
A: Meerkats typically weigh between 1.5 to 2.5 pounds (0.7-1.1 kg).

Q: What do meerkats eat?
A: Meerkats are predominantly insectivores, feeding on a wide range of insects such as beetles, spiders, scorpions, and small reptiles.

Q: Do meerkats live in groups?
A: Yes, meerkats are highly social animals that live in groups called mobs or clans.

Q: How many meerkats are usually in a group?
A: Meerkat groups can vary in size but typically consist of around 20 to 50 individuals.

Q: How do meerkats communicate with each other?
A: Meerkats use a variety of vocalizations and body postures to communicate within their group.

Q: Where do meerkats build their burrows?
A: Meerkats dig elaborate underground burrows in dry open grasslands, deserts, or scrublands.

Q: How deep can meerkat burrows go?
A: Meerkat burrows can extend up to 5 meters (16 feet) in depth, with multiple tunnel entrances.

Q: Do meerkats have predators?
A: Yes, meerkats are preyed upon by larger animals such as raptors, jackals, snakes, and predators from their own family, such as the yellow mongoose.

Q: How long do meerkats live?
A: Meerkats have an average lifespan of around 12 to 14 years in the wild, but can live up to 14-16 years if they survive to adulthood.

Q: Do meerkats take turns on guard duty?
A: Yes, meerkats have a complex social system where individuals take turns being on lookout duty to watch for predators while the others forage.

Q: Can meerkats stand on their hind legs?
A: Yes, meerkats have the ability to stand on their hind legs, allowing them to get a better vantage point to scan their surroundings.

Q: Are meerkats territorial?
A: Meerkats are territorial animals and will defend their territory from rival groups.

Q: Can meerkats reproduce throughout the year?
A: No, meerkats typically have a breeding season, which is usually during the warmer months, to ensure the survival of their young in more favorable conditions.

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