Do lions kill only when they are hungry?
Lions are opportunistic predators and will attempt to kill whenever the opportunity presents itself. Although they kill only to sustain themselves, they do occasionally kill much more than they can consume. This usually happens when the prey animals are in a weak and emaciated condition and unable to escape or offer resistance.
On some occasions during droughts, when prey animals concentrate in large numbers around the last remaining water holes, lions, particularly young individuals, have been seen to kill several head of prey in a herd.
During the severe drought of 1996, a pride of lions killed five adult and 10 young African buffalo from a starving herd in one locality near Punda Maria. Similarly, near Lower Sabie a pride of lions killed six buffalo from a herd.
More frequently asked questions on the Lion
How do lions kill their prey?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
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Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
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How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
How large is the average lion pride?
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How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Do lions eat carrion?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
When do young lions become independent?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Do lions scavenge?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Do lions attack elephants?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Do lions have enemies?
Why do some males have black manes?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Do they attack other predators?
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Where can Honey Badgers be found in the Kruger National Park?
Is the leopard a solitary animal?
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How often do female lions produce cubs?
Can porcupines shoot their quills?
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Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Do baboons migrate?
Do Hyaenas have the strongest jaws?
Can visitors go on walking safaris to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
What is a Honey Badger?
Do Honey Badgers have any predators?
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Where can Elands be found in Kruger National Park?
What are the Thick Tailed Bushbabies enemies?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
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How big can hippos get?
When do hyaenas hunt?
What is the gestation period for spotted hyenas?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
When do leopard cubs become independent?
What are lions breeding habits?
What do Blue wildebeest eat?
What do impalas eat?
Are leopards territorial?
What kind of sounds do cheetahs make?
What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
Where can Serval be found in the Kruger Park?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
What is the most dangerous animal in Africa?
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