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
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
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Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
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Which habitat to lions prefer?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
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How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Why do some males have black manes?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
When do young lions become independent?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Do lions have enemies?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
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What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Do lions communicate well?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
How do lions kill their prey?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
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