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
Why do some males have black manes?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
When do young lions become independent?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Are lions territorial?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Do lions have enemies?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Do lions move around during the day?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Do lions communicate well?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Can lions climb trees?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
Do lions scavenge?
Can lions swim?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Is it true that giraffes have blue tongues?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Can Serval be kept as pets?
Do leopards roar?
Do Brown Hyenas live in packs?
How long do Suni live?
Where can Blue wildebeest be found in the Kruger National Park?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Are spotted hyenas endangered?
How fast are cheetahs?
What is a Honey Badger?
What kind of sounds do cheetahs make?
What type of habitat do spotted hyenas prefer?
How do elephants use their tusks?
What is the general behaviour of a Vervet Monkey?
How do spotted hyenas hunt?
When is the best time to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
What is the life span of a lesser bushbaby?
What is the lifespan of a porcupine?
What does a Serval look like?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
What are the Thick Tailed Bushbabies enemies?
Do Giraffes sleep?
Are cheetahs solitary animals?
How big do Serval get?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
What is the general behaviour of the Lesser Bushbaby?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
What are the main physical features of the leopard?
Why do African Elephants have wrinkles?
What do Elands look like?
How is the prey of a cheetah caught and killed?
May I feed the animals in Kruger Park?
Are Mountain Reedbucks endangered?
Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?
When do young lions become independent?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
Can lions climb trees?
Can the female lion roar?
Are Suni social animals?
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