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
When is the best time for spotting lion?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Are lions territorial?
Are lions cannibalistic?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Do lions move around during the day?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Why do some males have black manes?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
When do young lions become independent?
Do lions communicate well?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Do lions scavenge?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Can lions swim?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
How do lions kill their prey?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Can I see Brown Hyenas on a Kruger Park safari?
Are Brown Hyenas dangerous?
What is the preferred habitat of the leopard?
What is the life span of a lesser bushbaby?
Do baboons have a specific breeding time?
What are the predators of impalas in Kruger National Park?
Are lions territorial?
What does the leopard diet consist of?
What is a Blue wildebeest?
Do leopards mark their territories?
What are lions breeding habits?
Can the leopard be a danger to humans?
What threats do Brown Hyenas face?
Are Warthogs fast?
How big are porcupines?
Do Blue wildebeest migrate?
Do baboons have a specific leader and how is dominance established?
What is the general behaviour of a Thick Tailed Bushbaby?
Are Klipspringers easy to spot in Kruger National Park?
When do hyaenas hunt?
Where can Suni be found in the Kruger National Park?
Where can you find spotted hyenas in Kruger National Park?
Are Klipspringers endangered?
Do leopards roar?
What is a Suni?
What are the leopards breeding habits?
Do lions scavenge?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
Do porcupines have any predators?
What type of habitat do cheetahs prefer?
Are Aardwolves endangered?
Do lions move around during the day?
Are there any predators that hunt Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?
What does a Thick Tailed Bushbaby look like?
Why are leopards so seldom seen?
What should I do if I encounter a dangerous mammal in Kruger National Park?
What do spotted hyenas eat?
Do Buffalo have good memories?
Can elephant tusks grow back?
Can porcupines shoot their quills?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?