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
Is lion cub mortality high?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Do lions communicate well?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
How do lions kill their prey?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Do lions scavenge?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
How large is the average lion pride?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Do lions move around during the day?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
When do young lions become independent?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Can the female lion roar?
Can lions climb trees?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Do leopards returns to the prey left in a tree?
Can you hear spotted hyenas laughing?
What is the preferred habitat of the leopard?
Are there any predators that hunt Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?
How do Vervet Monkeys communicate and are they aggressive?
What is the biggest animal killed by hyaenas?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
How many cheetah are there in the Kruger Park?
Is there a dominance hierarchy amongst other members of a baboon troop?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Can Aardwolves be kept as pets?
Do lions attack elephants?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Are Warthogs fast?
What does a Thick Tailed Bushbaby eat?
How long do Blue wildebeest live?
How long do Honey Badgers live?
Where can Serval be found in the Kruger Park?
Do Honey Badgers have any predators?
What are the leopards breeding habits?
What do Honey Badgers eat?
What do Mountain Reedbucks eat?
What are the Thick Tailed Bushbabies enemies?
What is a Serval?
Do Thick Tailed Bushbabies demarcate their territory?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
What is the general behaviour of a Vervet Monkey?
How often do elephants give birth?
What is the size and weight of an Aardwolf?
Where can I find impalas in Kruger National Park?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Do baboons have a specific breeding time?
Do lions scavenge?
Are cheetahs territorial?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Are hippos dangerous?
Where can Suni be found in the Kruger National Park?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
How fast can Blue wildebeest run?
What do Suni eat?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?