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
Do all male lions possess a mane?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
When do young lions become independent?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
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Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Do lions attack elephants?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
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What are lions breeding habits?
Can lions climb trees?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Why do some males have black manes?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Do lions eat carrion?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Do lions have enemies?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Do lions often become man eaters?
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What is the scientific name for the spotted hyena?
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What is the biggest animal killed by hyaenas?
Can Serval be kept as pets?
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What is a Honey Badger?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
Where can Elands be found in Kruger National Park?
When do young lions become independent?
What kind of mammals can be found in Kruger National Park?
To what diseases are baboons susceptible?
Where can I find impalas in Kruger National Park?
Are there any nocturnal mammals in Kruger National Park?
Are spotted hyenas social animals?
What are the major physical features of the Vervet Monkey?
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What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
What is the gestation period for spotted hyenas?
How much does a leopard eat per day?
Are cheetahs dangerous to man?
How do leopards manage to get very heavy prey into a tree?
What do Elands look like?
Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect hippos in Kruger National Park?
Are Brown Hyenas dangerous?
What does a Serval eat?
Are there black leopards in the Kruger Park?
What are the pangolin's scales made of?
How much does an African Elephant weigh?
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What is the general behaviour of a Vervet Monkey?
Where can Honey Badgers be found in the Kruger National Park?
Do lions scavenge?
Where can you find spotted hyenas in Kruger National Park?
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