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
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
Are lions territorial?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Do lions have enemies?
Do lions eat carrion?
Why do some males have black manes?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Are lions cannibalistic?
When do young lions become independent?
Do lions scavenge?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Do lions often become man eaters?
What are lions breeding habits?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Do lions attack elephants?
Do lions communicate well?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Can the female lion roar?
How do lions kill their prey?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
How large is the average lion pride?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Can lions swim?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
How do elephants use their tusks?
What is the lifespan of a porcupine?
What is the preferred habitat of the leopard?
How fast can impalas run?
What are the Thick Tailed Bushbabies enemies?
Do Hyaenas have the strongest jaws?
Are Klipspringers easy to spot in Kruger National Park?
How do leopards manage to get very heavy prey into a tree?
What does the leopard diet consist of?
Where can Suni be found in the Kruger National Park?
Are Mountain Reedbucks dangerous?
Where can Serval be found in the Kruger Park?
Are there any endangered mammal species in Kruger National Park?
Can visitors go on walking safaris to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
How large is the average lion pride?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
Do Blue wildebeest migrate?
What is the gestation period of the Lesser Bushbaby?
How can I identify a Brown Hyena?
Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect hippos in Kruger National Park?
What is an impala?
Can porcupines shoot their quills?
Are Suni social animals?
To what diseases are baboons susceptible?
Do Suni have any predators?
Are Mountain Reedbucks endangered?
Are Porcupines rodents?
Why are leopards so seldom seen?
When do young lions become independent?
What is a Brown Hyena?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
What do hippos eat?
Why do African Elephants have wrinkles?
How big can hippos get?
Do Brown Hyenas live in packs?
What is the general behaviour of a Vervet Monkey?
Where can Honey Badgers be found in the Kruger National Park?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?