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
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Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
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When is the best time for spotting lion?
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Why do some males have black manes?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Do lions move around during the day?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
Do lions scavenge?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Do lions eat carrion?
Is lion cub mortality high?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
Can lions swim?
How do lions kill their prey?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
What are the predators of impalas in Kruger National Park?
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Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Are cheetahs territorial?
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How many cheetah are there in the Kruger Park?
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Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
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When do leopard cubs become independent?
Can the leopard be a danger to humans?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
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Do lions kill their prey quickly?
It is said that baboons could kill a leopard. Is this true?
What do Elands look like?
What is the breeding season for impalas?
What do cheetahs eat?
Are Mountain Reedbucks dangerous?
When do young lions become independent?
How big do Serval get?
Do Giraffes sleep?
Are porcupines found in Kruger National Park?
How do elephants use their tusks?
Are spotted hyenas dangerous to humans?
What type of habitat do spotted hyenas prefer?
What is the general behaviour of the Lesser Bushbaby?
What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
Where can Blue wildebeest be found in the Kruger National Park?
How fast are cheetahs?
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