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?
How large is the average lion pride?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
Do lions eat carrion?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Can lions swim?
Do lions have enemies?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Do lions communicate well?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
How do lions kill their prey?
Do lions attack elephants?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Do lions move around during the day?
Can lions climb trees?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Are lions cannibalistic?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
What are lions breeding habits?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
When do young lions become independent?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
How do Thick Tailed Bushbabies communicate?
To what diseases are baboons susceptible?
May I feed the animals in Kruger Park?
Can elephant tusks grow back?
When do young lions become independent?
Are leopards very susceptible to disease?
When do leopard cubs become independent?
Do lions attack elephants?
What is the preferred habitat of the leopard?
Are leopards territorial?
Do Thick Tailed Bushbabies demarcate their territory?
How fast can cheetahs run?
Do elephants have good memories?
Where can Blue wildebeest be found in the Kruger National Park?
What are some of the interesting facts about the impala found in the Kruger Park?
Are there any endangered mammal species in Kruger National Park?
Are Klipspringers endangered?
Why do leopards hang their prey in trees?
What are the Thick Tailed Bushbabies enemies?
What does a Thick Tailed Bushbaby eat?
Do lions eat carrion?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
Can the leopard be a danger to humans?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
Do other predators prey upon leopard?
What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
It is said that baboons could kill a leopard. Is this true?
Are cheetahs often robbed of their kill?
When is the best time to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
Is there a specific breeding season, and how long is the gestation period of a cheetah?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Why do African Elephants have wrinkles?
What is the gestation period and life span of a Vervet Monkey?
What is a Blue wildebeest?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Do lions move around during the day?
Do baboons have a specific leader and how is dominance established?
What do spotted hyenas eat?
Where can Elands be found in Kruger National Park?
What is the best time of day to see Elands in Kruger National Park?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?