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 long do African Lions sleep on average?
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How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Do lions communicate well?
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Are young adults expelled from the pride?
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Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Do lions attack elephants?
Can lions swim?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Do lions move around during the day?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
When do young lions become independent?
Why do some males have black manes?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Are lions territorial?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Can lions climb trees?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
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How often do elephants give birth?
Are Brown Hyenas dangerous?
Do lions have enemies?
What is an Aardwolf?
What is a hippo?
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Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Where can you find spotted hyenas in Kruger National Park?
What does a Thick Tailed Bushbaby eat?
What do Aardwolves eat?
How far can cheetah run at top speed?
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Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Why are leopards so seldom seen?
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Can Aardwolves be kept as pets?
Do Thick Tailed Bushbabies demarcate their territory?
Are cheetahs often robbed of their kill?
Where can I find Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Are Mountain Reedbucks endangered?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Are spotted hyenas dangerous to humans?
Why do leopards hang their prey in trees?
What is a Mountain Reedbuck?
How much does a leopard eat per day?
How do lions kill their prey?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Where can I find hippos in Kruger National Park?
Do Aardwolves have any predators?
It is said that baboons could kill a leopard. Is this true?
Are Servals social animals?
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