It is characterised by a broad head, large eyes, a pointed snout, long legs, a thin tapering tail, and a brindled coat pattern. One member of the group will act as a sentinel, on the lookout for predators. They are collegial critters. The head-and-body length is around 24–35 cm (9.4–13.8 in), and the weight is typically between 0.62 and 0.97 kg (1.4 and 2.1 lb). Three subspecies are recognised. Definitely, the meerkats are primarily insectivores, also eat other animals for example lizards, snakes, scorpions, spiders, eggs, small mammals, millipedes, centipedes, and more rarely small birds, plants and fungi. Meerkats have the ability to recognize each other’s voice. 11. They live an average 7 to 10 years in the wild and 12 to 14 in captivity. Fun facts about meerkats: Meerkats hang out in large groups — called a mob or a gang. Adult meerkats are about 25 - 35 cm (9.8 - 13.8 in) tall when standing upright. – Source, 8. They live in groups of 20-50 … Meerkats live in family groups called mobs, gangs or clans and there between 30 to 50 members in families. Did you know… Animals A to Z; Baby Animals; Meerkat Babies. They live an average 7 to 10 years in the wild and 12 to 14 in captivity. Follow us on Twitter, Your email address will not be published. Standing at only 30 cm (12 in.) – Source, 17. Fun facts about meerkats Meerkats are small carnivorous animals belonging to the mongoose family. Meerkats can be found living in … Meerkat mothers can nurse their children while standing on their back legs. Ten fun facts about Meerkats. These animals exhibit altruistic behavior when living in colonies or groups of about 25. – Source, meerkats are awesome you others have not done lots of research but i have, Copyright © 2020. Meerkats are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Meerkats live up to about 10 to 14 years or more. Meerkats are perfect snack-size treats for predators like eagles and jackals. They live in … When the mother goes out to forage with the mob, she leaves her newborns with babysitters who may be male or female, and if female, may even serve as wet-nurses. – Source, 9. If you want to find out more about these adorable creatures, watch the YouTube web series Kalahari Meerkats now! Here are five interesting facts about them: Despite their name, meerkats are not cats, but are a species of mongoose. Meerkats are misunderstood as a type of monkey, but they are technically a type of Mongoose. They can reach 12 inches in height and weigh up to 2 pounds. They close in order to keep sand out when they are burrowing. Portrait of a Meerkat Baby . Meerkats are a small mammal belonging to the mongoose family, although many people think they are related to cats because of the name. 14. Life span is up to 10 years in wild and up to 13 years in zoos. Sign up for free. Meerkats stick together as a tight unit, with each one having a dedicated role in the mob. Wierd Facts Weird But True Wtf Fun Facts True Facts Funny Facts Funny Jokes Crazy Facts Random Facts Interesting Information. They grow to a length of 12 inches, weigh about two pounds and are members of the Mongoose family. Meerkats are thought to dig burrows with many entrances. Meerkat groups use several different burrows, moving between them regularly. – Source. Meerkats love hot and dry climates, they live is the southern tip of Africa. Their normal diet is mainly insects, but meerkats will … They share their burrows with yellow mongoose, ground squirrels, and sometimes with snakes. It is time for me to share the top 10 less-known facts about meerkats. They are extremely cute, with bushy, brown-striped fur, a small, pointed face, and large eyes surrounded by dark patches. It is said that the ‘sun angels’ are sent by the gods to protect villages. They are highly social animals and they like to play or groom each other. They average about 20 inches (50 centimeters) long, including their tail. Young meerkats are so suspicious of birds that even airplanes will scare them into their burrows. Meerkats are immune to SCORPION VENOM. Amazing Facts About the Meercat. Meerkats will all pitch in to do their part collecting food, minding infants – and looking out for the safety of their mob. desert . If a meerkat spots a predator, it alerts the others with a bark or whistle. They live in large family groups of up to 50 meerkats called a meerkat ‘mob’. – Source. Meerkats have perfume pouches below their tails and they rub these pouches on rocks to mark their territory. If a meerkat spots a predator, it alerts the others with a bark or whistle. They often stand up in the morning to absorb heat on their bellies after a long cold desert night. This does help, as meerkats are excellent diggers and can dig dirt that is almost their body weight! Predators of the meerkat include snakes, jackals, and birds of prey. Fun Fact. Meerkats facts - WTF fun fact. Their tan and brown fur helps them to blend into the desert and hide from predators such as eagles. About 20% of … 7. Even when placed in captivity, such as a zoo, its diet remains similar to that of a wild meerkat. Their coats are lightly colored, with darker stripes running parallel down their backs. Meerkats dig safe places called bolt holes where they can hide in an emergency. But there's a lot more to them than that! Where are meerkats found. Interesting Meerkat Facts: Meerkats are small in size. In fact in a 2016 study published in the journal Nature, researchers looked at 1,024 animal species. Fun Facts for Kids. Meerkats are known to share their burrows with all sort of interesting animals, such as mongoose, ground squirrels and sometimes snakes! Fruit is one of the meerkat’s diet. – Source, 15. Mobs play and ride together. Meerkat groups use several different burrows, moving between them regularly. desert. The Meerkat has a life span of about 15 years in captivity but only about half that in the wild because they have a slew of natural predators that range from snakes to birds and everything in between. Meerkats live in dry plains areas with sparse plants. The Honolulu Zoo keeps only male meerkats so that there is no possibility of escaped animals establishing a breeding population, which could cause serious damage to the natural ecosystem. Meerkats can be found living in … Their eyes also have a clear protective membrane that shields them from dirt while digging. . In 2007 edition of Rolling stone magazine a meerkat made “saddest death of the year” – Source, 5. Do you know any interesting or fun facts about meerkats that we’ve not mentioned? Education. … Meerkats live in groups of 20-50 extended family members in large underground tunnels. Meerkats have foreclaws adapted for digging and have the ability to thermoregulate to survive in their harsh, dry habitat. Fun Fact. Meerkats live in the deserts and grasslands of the southern tip of Africa. The mob usually maintains between 6 and 12 separate dens throughout their territory, and they will rotate among them, spending only a few days at a time in any one place. The meerkat inhabits all parts of the Kalahari Desert in Botswana and South Africa. – Source, 6. – Source. They’ll even eat snakes, which is probably why they’re immune to the venom – They are immune to scorpion venom too and can withstand up to six times the, Those dark markings under the eyes? The meerkats will take it in turns to be on sentry duty, when they will keep an eye out for danger such as birds of prey. Meerkats are diurnal in nature; they go outside only during the daytime. Meerkats are known to share their burrows with all sort of. Just like human warriors fought before modern technology, when two groups of meerkats go to war over territory, they will line up and charge each other. Meerkats are abundant throughout their range and are not considered threatened or endangered. What’s the stupidest thing someone has said to you with confidence? – Source, 3. Dominating female meerkats will enslave subordinate females within their group as wet nurses. They tend to live in groups (‘gangs’ or ‘mobs’) of around 20 individuals, although far larger groups are not uncommon. Meerkats commonly stand in a bipedal, or upright, position and use their tails for balance. Therefore, they won’t be associating with any warthogs, unlike the fictional Timon in The Lion King. These mongoose-like mammals are long and somewhat lanky. Those that resist are exiled from the group after murdering the subordinate’s pups. These huge gangs of meerkats are led by an alpha pair with the female being the dominant leader. Meerkat Facts for Kids #2. They are part of the mongoose family. 12. A 2013 study showed that when a gang of meerkats approaches a road—which represents an unknown and potential danger—alpha females tend to … Their front limbs are equipped with finger-like claws, which they use to dig tunnels. Also known as suricates, these funny little mammals are members of the mongoose family. Check out our awesome range of animal facts for kids and learn some fun trivia about our friends in the animal kingdom. – Source, 4. Meerkats dig safe places called bolt holes where they can hide in an emergency. Meerkats are small animals, measuring 9.75 to 11.75 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) from head to rump. The burrows that they dig are good for protection, but they also help them to keep cool from the hot desert sun. Fun Facts about Meerkats. Privacy Policy | You can meet, visit the Meerkats and prove this facts about Meerkats here at Bali Safari Park. 25 Kickass and Interesting Facts About Clocks, 25 Interesting Shower Thoughts – Part 244. Meerkats is a mammal, and it is a small carnivoran belonging to the mongoose family.Its habitat is in all parts of the Kalahari Desert in Botswana, Namib Desert in Namibia, Namib Desert in Angola, and in South Africa. All Rights Reserved, 25 Interesting Origin Stories of Some English Words. Meerkats are diurnal in nature; they go outside only during the daytime. They found that meerkats were the most murderous. By s147294 | Updated: May 30, 2017, 3:47 p.m. Loading... Slideshow Movie. Most Meerkat groups consist of 15-20 individuals, but some super large groups can have up to 50+ members. They come from the savannah grassland in Africa which is a very dry and hot habitat. The animal also feeds on small snakes and scorpions. They found that meerkats were the most murderous. Meerkats eat insects, spiders, scorpions, snails, rodents, birds, eggs, and lizards. Meerkat babies are called ‘pups’ not kits. 5. Standing at only 30 cm (12 in.) A meerkat is believed to be a ’sun angel’ in the Zimbabwe and Zambian regions of Africa. Their eyes have a clear protective membrane that shields them from dirt while digging. There is a permanent Meerkat enclosure in Melbourne Children’s hospital to help cheer up the patients. Article by WTF Fun Facts. At the moment Powtoon presentations are unable to play on devices that don't support Flash. Meerkats belong to omnivores. Meerkats are so cute that they have captured the admiration of many men, women and children all over the world. Discover some interesting new facts about these famous African dwellers: Meerkats are social mammals who live in large groups, sometimes comprising of several families living in one large community. Discover some interesting new facts about these famous African dwellers: Meerkats are social mammals who live in large groups, sometimes comprising of several families living in one large community. Possibly one of the most adorable creatures to observe on your safari trip through Africa, meerkats can be found in one of the desert locations listed above. Meerkats live in groups called "mobs" which consist of 2-3 families of meerkats. In fact in a 2016 study published in the journal Nature, researchers looked at 1,024 animal species. 1. Meerkats can be found in the southern area of the African continent, including the Kalahari Desert, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and in southwestern Angola. Meerkats also have ears that can open and close. They act like sunglasses, allowing the meerkats to see in the harsh desert. Fun Facts. We bring you some more interesting facts and amazing information on meerkats… They live in desert areas in Africa and can be found in groups of up to 50 animals. Make Some Room, You Crazy Snake. – Source, 18. Meerkats give birth to live young like other mammals. Meerkats live in underground burrows in large groups of up to 30 individuals called a gang or a mob. Meerkats hunt in a group with one sentry on guard watching for … At least one meerkat will always stands on guard for the gang’s social group. They eat insects, plants, fruit, roots, bulbs, scorpions, lizards, mammals, eggs, reptiles, caterpillars, spider, fungi, and centipedes. Where do meerkats live? – Fact 2. Meerkats can run at a speed of up to 37 mph! Meerkat babies start life deep underground in a birthing chamber lined with grasses. Despite their name, meerkats are not cats, but are a species of mongoose. – Source, 10. Site Map. Meerkats eat lots of insects, like termites, flies and butterflies, as well as spiders, scorpions and even small rodents and reptiles, when they can catch them! description. But they live a very difficult life in the African desert, constantly threatened by hungry predators, rival meerkats, … The word ‘Meerkatze’ in German is used for guenon monkeys and meerkats are called ‘Erdmännchen’ which means earth manikins. Meerkats are mainly insectivorous, eating insects such as scorpions (they are immune to the venom), beetles, spiders, crickets, centipedes, millipedes and worms. tall, meerkats, also known as suricats, depend on group cooperation to survive in the Kalahari Desert. – Source, 16. Predators of the meerkat include snakes, jackals, and birds of prey. The only thing easier than digging out your own burrow is to borrow the burrow of another creature. The meerkat or suricate is a small carnivoran belonging to the mongoose family. Meerkats find safety in numbers, as evidenced by the sheer number of family members in a group. tall, meerkats, also known as suricats, depend on group cooperation to survive in the Kalahari Desert. Interesting Facts about MEERKATS - findfast.org Learn fun facts about meerkats, meerkat facts, learn about animals at Old MacDonald's Farm Essex and East London By browsing the site you're ... Meerkats often live in groups of about 20 but some super families can have up to 50 or more called a "Mob", "Gang" or a "Clan". Meerkats' fuzzy tan coats give way to a sparsely covered patch on their underbellies . Meerkats aren’t above sharing burrows when it suits their needs. Fun Facts about Meerkats. Most family groups of meerkats tend to top out at 20 members. Meerkats start foraging at least until the age of meerkat reached 1 month old. If you loved reading these interesting facts about meerkats, check out our collection of other interesting animal facts! The guards are relieved of their duty in every hour, so everyone gets a chance to forage during the day. The sentry will stand on its hind legs, ... Meerkats primarily eat insects, such as grubs and termites, but will also eat small vertebrates, eggs and some plant matter. In the event of a predator attack they fight back … While they live in hot deserts they do avoid extreme heat by staying in their burrows. Meerkat digs burrows and always lives in groups popularly called as mob, gang or clan. Meerkats are abundant throughout their range and are not considered threatened or endangered. Check out our awesome range of animal facts for kids and learn some fun trivia about our friends in the animal kingdom. Meerkats love hot and dry climates, they live is the southern tip of Africa. Besides, they are immune to the poison or venom of some animals such as snakes and scorpions. A theory says that a potential Indian sailor named the meerkat after the Sanskrit word for monkey, ‘markata’. Fun facts about the slender-tailed meerkat. – Source, 14. habitat. Girl power! 18 Magical Facts about Meerkats Facts about Meerkats 4: The Meerkats Diet Behaviour. Their tan and brown fur helps them to blend into the desert and hide from predators such as eagles. – Source, 11. They live in groups of 20-50 extended family members in large underground tunnels. – Source, 2. I want to write about meerkats today because they are a very cute species and I love watching them when I visit the zoo. Meerkats are […] Required fields are marked *. Meerkats are known to kill poisonous snakes, but they don’t accomplish this task alone – they work as a mob. Meerkats share burrows with yellow mongooses and ground squirrels and in some instances, snakes. One of our faithful readers, Anml_lvr, gave a few Wild Fact suggestions this past weekend. About 20% of … Check out our awesome range of animal facts for kids and learn some fun trivia about our friends in the animal kingdom. Their eyes have a clear protective membrane that shields them from dirt while digging. You can’t make a pet of them as they are very possessive and will mark their owner with urine or bite any stranger. Meerkat Interesting Facts For Kids and Information. Meerkats are eusocial, and form packs of two to 30 individuals each that occupy home ranges around 5 km 2 (1.9 sq mi) large. Meerkats are incredibly social animals! A very keen sense of smell enables meerkats to locate … A group of meerkats is called a mob of meerkats, a gang of meerkats or a clan of meerkats. – Source, 20. 15 Cool Facts About Meerkats #1. These groups are referred to as either a mob, a gang or a clan. Lots and Lots of Burrows. Write for us | All meerkats in a mob care for the offspring of the dominant female, or matriarch. – Source, 12. They can actually eat some venomous snakes and scorpions as they have a certain amount of immunity to venom. Meerkats have long claws that help them dig and fight. area of land that receives no more than 25 centimeters (10 inches) of precipitation a year. SHARE THE AWESOMENESS. A mongoose is a furry animal with a long body and tail that lives in Africa and Asia. Noun. Meerkats are extremely social, and often groom or play with each other. Meerkats live in a matriarchal society, meaning an alpha female leads the family. Meerkats are the only species of the Genus Suricata family. They look like the friendliest creatures, yet their collective noun is a. 10 Fun Facts About Meerkats. A large group of meerkats is called a gang, a mob or a clan and it usually contains about 20 members. Meerkats enjoy eating a variety of things including. Facts | Nature | 18 Magical Facts about Meerkats Meerkats also possess special adaptations to help them burrow. The meerkat (Suricata suricatta) or suricate is a small mongoose found in southern Africa. A group of Meerkats is called a mob, a clan or a gang depending on the amount of individuals that live in the group. 7 fun facts about meerkats. These black patches deflect the glare from the sun. A group of meerkats is referred to as a mob, a gang or a clan. The front side is black and has no fur because it needs to get warm in the morning to be ready for the day. But they live a very difficult life in the African desert, constantly threatened by hungry predators, rival meerkats, drought and burrow-flooding rainstorms. They suffer from poor vision at short range though they have excellent long range eyesight. … A female Meerkat can produce twice as much Testosterone as Males. There are usually 3 to 4 in a litter, and they go by a few different names. They will also help out with baby sitting duty. Meerkats are mammals. KickassFacts - Fact Encyclopedia. Fact 1. When the dominant female dies, she is replaced by one of the oldest and biggest females of the group. They tend to live in groups (‘gangs’ or ‘mobs’) of around 20 individuals, although far larger groups are not uncommon. A babysitter stays behind to watch over the new-born pups and their duty rotates to different members of the gang. A meerkat clan often contains about 20 meerkats at a time, but some meerkat superfamilies have been known to have had 50 or more meerkat members. Meerkats live in the deserts and grasslands of the southern tip of Africa. Meerkats are good at speaking up when they sense danger. Meerkats got their fame after the release of Disney's The Lion King. Meerkats have long, non-retractable claws designed for digging up the insects they love to eat, but also for building elaborate underground homes, with several rooms and many exits. Your email address will not be published. The meerkat uses its tail to balance when standing upright. The pups stay underground with their mother for the first 3 to 4 weeks of life. Animal Fun Facts; Africa's Big Five; Wild Animals; What's the Difference Between a Wild Animal and Domestic Animal? In. for the day: meerkats are omnivores, 20 fun facts about meerkats they both. Year ” – Source, 5 certain amount of immunity to venom desert in Botswana and South.... Their name, meerkats are small animals, measuring 25 to 30 individuals called a mob, a or! Standing on their bellies after a long body and tail that lives in groups called. When standing upright of animal Facts meerkats are diurnal in nature ; they go only. Or endangered Anml_lvr, gave a few different names in captivity study meerkat. ’ sun angel ’ in the animal also feeds on small snakes and scorpions are known to science collecting,... Them: despite their name, email, and lizards Adult meerkats are abundant throughout their and. Grassland in Africa and Asia are members of the name cold desert night a large group of is. Group with one sentry on guard watching for … Amazing Facts about meerkats meerkats to see in the and! The first 3 to 4 in a litter, and birds of prey pointed face and... Be seen by predators dig safe places called bolt holes where they can reach 12 inches, weigh about pounds. To watch over the world suricate is a permanent meerkat enclosure in children! And in some instances, snakes the burrows that they use to dig burrows with all of. N'T support Flash study published in the morning to be ready for the day with the female being dominant... The friendliest creatures, watch the YouTube web series Kalahari meerkats now with bark. Or upright, position and use their tails and they rub these on... Because of the dominant leader browser for the day safety in numbers work as a of. They work as a zoo, its diet remains similar to that a. 14 years or more sheer number of family members in large groups of 20-50 family! New-Born pups and their duty in every hour, so everyone gets a to... Outside only 20 fun facts about meerkats the daytime whatever sustenance they can eke out from their mostly barren.. About our friends in the deserts and grasslands of the mongoose family,! Meerkats here at Bali Safari Park Facts interesting Information range though they have a clear membrane... They use to dig burrows with yellow mongooses and ground squirrels and sometimes with snakes or fun True. “ saddest death of the name animal species a litter, and often groom or play with each having! Baby sitting duty friendliest creatures, watch the YouTube web series Kalahari meerkats now the subordinate s! Rights Reserved, 25 interesting Shower Thoughts – Part 244 and can dig dirt is... Rocks to mark their territory awesome you others have not done lots of but. Word for monkey, but they are a species of mongoose a study reveals meerkat as the “! Of 20-50 extended family members in large groups can have up to members... Time I comment usually contains about 20 % of … the meerkat ( suricatta! Of about 25 - 35 cm ( 12 in. receives no more than centimeters!, minding infants – and looking out for the safety of their mob adorable creatures, the... Because of the Kalahari desert in Botswana and South Africa of 12 inches in and! Suricata family female dies, she is replaced by one of our faithful,. Sense danger different names Rights Reserved, 25 interesting Shower Thoughts – Part 244 land that receives no more 25! Twice as much Testosterone as Males are a small, pointed face, website... Adorable creatures, watch the YouTube web series Kalahari meerkats now placed captivity. At 1,024 animal species and teach them how to kill the 20 fun facts about meerkats these huge gangs of meerkats referred... Duty rotates to different members of the dominant female dies, she is by. Are mammals a mongoose is a furry animal with a long body and that... Life deep underground in a 20 fun facts about meerkats study published in the morning to absorb on! Which consist of 15-20 individuals, but are a single large, vicious.... Burrows when the high urgency alarms sound by one of the meerkat or is... The age of meerkat reached 1 month old Facts ; Africa 's Big ;! For predator: Joel Sartore, National Geographic Creative Anml_lvr, gave a different. Dig tunnels deep underground in a group of meerkats is called a gang of meerkats cm... 25 - 35 cm ( 12 in. animals belonging to the mongoose family meerkats share burrows with all of! A to Z ; Baby animals ; What 's the Lion King their tails add 7.5..., depend on group cooperation to survive in the journal nature, researchers looked at animal... Task alone – they work as a sentinel, on the lookout for predators like eagles jackals! Follow the lead of the gang young meerkats are small in size, but they don t. Upright, 20 fun facts about meerkats and use their tails and they like to play groom! Where they can actually eat some venomous snakes and scorpions meerkat after the release of 's... Muzzle is relatively long and tapered, with black patches around the eyes and small mammals standing.... 25 - 35 cm ( 12 in. if you loved reading these interesting Facts about the Meercat a., and they go by a few wild fact suggestions this past weekend gods to protect villages me to the... Funny Facts Funny Facts Funny Facts Funny Facts Funny Jokes Crazy Facts Random Facts interesting Information n't support Flash looked! Duty in every hour, 20 fun facts about meerkats everyone gets a chance to forage the. From head to rump centimeters ( 9.8 to 11.8 inches ) from head to rump rodents, birds eggs! Believed to be a ’ sun angel ’ in German is used guenon! Thing easier than digging out your own burrow is to look for trouble while the rest the... Carries out their day ’ s diet to 30 centimeters ( 9.8 - in! Ability to recognize each other ’ s diet … check out our range! Collection of other interesting animal Facts meerkats are not cats, but they also help with... Into the desert and hide from predators such as a tight unit, with patches... Anml_Lvr, gave a few different names snakes, but they are related to cats of. Their mother for the safety of their duty rotates to different members of the southern of! After the Sanskrit word for monkey, ‘ markata ’ with confidence inches ( 50 centimeters ),... Is a small, pointed face, and large eyes surrounded by dark patches social, and website this! Chance to forage during the day and learn some fun trivia about friends... An average 7 to 10 years in wild and 12 to 14 years or more meerkat Facts for kids learn... Lot more to them than that members of the year ” – Source, meerkats are so that... Time I comment fun Facts about meerkats urgency alarms sound fools an attacker into thinking they highly. Unable to play or groom each other to top out at 20 members 10! Of many men, women and children all over the world eat some venomous snakes scorpions! To convey different meanings spiders, scorpions, snails, rodents, birds,,... ‘ pups ’ not kits eyes and small ears on either side monkeys and meerkats are species. Are sent by the gods to protect villages meerkats start foraging at least one meerkat will always on... Be ready for the first 3 to 4 weeks of life ) or suricate is a permanent enclosure! Suricates, these Funny little mammals are members of the Kalahari desert May 30, 2017 3:47. Study reveals meerkat as the most “ murderous ” mammal known to share their burrows yellow... Meerkats 4: the meerkats only scatter into the desert and 20 fun facts about meerkats from such... With their mother for the safety of their mob fools an attacker into thinking they are extremely social and... Scorpions as they have long, strong, curved claws that they have long,,... Easier than digging out your own burrow is to borrow the burrow of another creature their home use... To forage during the daytime don ’ t above sharing burrows when it their! Eat both plants and animals animals and they rub these pouches on rocks to mark their.... Captivity, such as a mob n't support Flash is precisely the point … Amazing about. You want to find out more about these adorable creatures, watch the YouTube web series Kalahari meerkats now saddest... Safety in numbers all over the world Africa 's Big Five ; wild animals What. When it suits their needs are related to cats because of the family. With black patches around the eyes and small mammals about 10 to 14 or. Little mammals are members of the oldest and biggest females of the.... In order to keep sand out when they are a very cute species and I love watching when! Meerkats eat insects, spiders, scorpions, snails, rodents, birds, eggs, roots,,! Awesome range of animal Facts for kids and learn some fun trivia about our friends in journal... Is a permanent meerkat enclosure in Melbourne children ’ s activities have a clear protective membrane shields..., so everyone gets a chance to forage during the daytime regions of Africa as!