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
Do lions have enemies?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Do lions scavenge?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
What are lions breeding habits?
When do young lions become independent?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
How large is the average lion pride?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Do lions communicate well?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Are lions cannibalistic?
How do lions kill their prey?
Can the female lion roar?
Why do some males have black manes?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Do lions attack elephants?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Do lions move around during the day?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Where can Serval be found in the Kruger Park?
Do lions communicate well?
Are spotted hyenas endangered?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Do they attack other predators?
Do lions attack elephants?
Can visitors go on walking safaris to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
It is said that baboons could kill a leopard. Is this true?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
How often do elephants give birth?
Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect hippos in Kruger National Park?
What type of habitat do spotted hyenas prefer?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
What are the major physical features of the Vervet Monkey?
Are Warthogs fast?
Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?
Do lions move around during the day?
What do Blue wildebeest eat?
How long do Blue wildebeest live?
Where can Blue wildebeest be found in the Kruger National Park?
Are Mountain Reedbucks dangerous?
What do porcupines eat?
What should I do if I encounter a dangerous mammal in Kruger National Park?
How do elephants use their tusks?
What is a Klipspringer?
What is the lifespan of an impala?
Do lions scavenge?
Are leopards very susceptible to disease?
Do Buffalo have good memories?
Are leopards territorial?
Do lions eat carrion?
Are impalas endangered?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
What is the biggest animal killed by hyaenas?
Is the leopard a solitary animal?
Do lions have enemies?
Are Honey Badgers endangered?
Are Klipspringers endangered?
What is an impala?
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