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
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Can lions climb trees?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
How large is the average lion pride?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
What are lions breeding habits?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Do lions move around during the day?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
Do lions have enemies?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Why do some males have black manes?
When do young lions become independent?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
Can the female lion roar?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Can lions swim?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Is lion cub mortality high?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Do lions communicate well?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Do lions attack elephants?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
How do lions kill their prey?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Can Serval be kept as pets?
Are porcupines dangerous to humans?
Where can I find Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?
What is the scientific name for the spotted hyena?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Are there any predators that hunt Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
How is the prey of a cheetah caught and killed?
Can you hear spotted hyenas laughing?
What do Brown Hyenas eat?
Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
Is it true that giraffes have blue tongues?
How do elephants use their tusks?
What do cheetahs eat?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
What do Lesser Bushbabies eat?
How do spotted hyenas hunt?
Do they attack other predators?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Do Thick Tailed Bushbabies demarcate their territory?
May I feed the animals in Kruger Park?
What do Mountain Reedbucks eat?
What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
How can you tell the difference between male and female spotted hyenas?
How long do Suni live?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
What are the main physical features of the cheetah?
What are the major physical features of the Vervet Monkey?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
What is a Blue wildebeest?
What do Blue wildebeest eat?
Do lions scavenge?
Where can I see Mountain Reedbucks in the Kruger Park?
What does a Thick Tailed Bushbaby look like?
Do lions move around during the day?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?