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
Is lion cub mortality high?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
When do young lions become independent?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Can the female lion roar?
Do lions have enemies?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Do lions scavenge?
Do lions attack elephants?
How do lions kill their prey?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
How large is the average lion pride?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
Do lions communicate well?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Do lions move around during the day?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Can lions swim?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
What are lions breeding habits?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
What is an impala?
Are porcupines found in Kruger National Park?
What should I do if I encounter a dangerous mammal in Kruger National Park?
Do Brown Hyenas live in packs?
Can you hear spotted hyenas laughing?
Are there any predators that hunt Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?
Are honey badgers dangerous?
What is the gestation period of a Thick Tailed Bushbaby?
How can you tell the difference between male and female spotted hyenas?
Do elephants have a dominant tusk?
What is the gestation period of the Lesser Bushbaby?
What do Brown Hyenas eat?
Do Aardwolves have any predators?
Are cheetahs territorial?
How often do elephants give birth?
Do leopards mark their territories?
What is the lifespan of a porcupine?
How large is the average lion pride?
What does a Thick Tailed Bushbaby look like?
What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
What do Aardwolves eat?
Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect hippos in Kruger National Park?
What type of habitat do spotted hyenas prefer?
Do they attack other predators?
How much does an African Elephant weigh?
How fast can cheetahs run?
Is leopard cub mortality high?
What are the main physical features of the leopard?
Are Suni endangered?
Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?
Are cheetahs dangerous to man?
What kind of mammals can be found in Kruger National Park?
Do Giraffes sleep?
What do Mountain Reedbucks eat?
What do Elands look like?
What do impalas eat?
What are some of the interesting facts about the impala found in the Kruger Park?
What is the general behaviour of a Vervet Monkey?
What kind of sounds do cheetahs make?
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