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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


Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?

What is the normal life span of a lion?

Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?

Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?

Which habitat to lions prefer?

Are the senses of a lion well developed?

Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?

Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?

Why do some males have black manes?

How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?

Do lions attack elephants?

At what age are lions sexually mature?

Are male lions more aggressive than females?

Are young adults expelled from the pride?

Do lions scavenge?

Do lions kill their prey quickly?

What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?

What is the size of the average lion litter?

Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?

What are the normal causes of death in lions?

Are lions cannibalistic?

Do lions hide during rainy weather?

Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?

How large is the average lion pride?

What are the preferred prey species of lion?

Do all male lions possess a mane?

Can the female lion roar?

What speed can a lion reach when charging?

Can lions swim?

What are lions breeding habits?

Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?

Do lions have a social hierarchy?

Do lions often become man eaters?

Do the female lions do most of the hunting?

Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?

What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?

Is lion cub mortality high?

Can lions climb trees?

Do lions eat carrion?

Do the home ranges of lions overlap?

More frequently asked questions on: Mammals


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When do young lions become independent?

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When do hyaenas hunt?

Are Suni endangered?

Do elephants have good memories?

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How can I identify a Brown Hyena?

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Can you hear spotted hyenas laughing?

May I feed the animals in Kruger Park?

How many baboons are there in the Kruger Park?

Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?

How do spotted hyenas hunt?

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What do cheetahs eat?

Are spotted hyenas dangerous to humans?

When do leopard cubs become independent?

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