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
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
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Is lion cub mortality high?
When do young lions become independent?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Can lions swim?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
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How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
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Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Do lions scavenge?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
Do lions eat carrion?
Why do some males have black manes?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Can lions climb trees?
Do lions have enemies?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
How do lions kill their prey?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Can the female lion roar?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Do lions move around during the day?
How large is the average lion pride?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
What does a Thick Tailed Bushbaby eat?
What do porcupines eat?
Where can Honey Badgers be found in the Kruger National Park?
Are spotted hyenas social animals?
What do Elands eat?
Do lions have enemies?
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When is the best time to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
Do lions scavenge?
What is a Brown Hyena?
What is a Klipspringer?
How fast are cheetahs?
What do impalas eat?
What do Mountain Reedbucks eat?
Are cheetahs often robbed of their kill?
What is a Blue wildebeest?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Are Honey Badgers endangered?
Are Serval endangered?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
What is the lifespan of a Serval?
What is the breeding season for impalas?
What type of habitat do cheetahs prefer?
What do Lesser Bushbabies eat?
What is an Eland?
Are porcupines dangerous to humans?
It is said that baboons could kill a leopard. Is this true?
What is the best time of day to see Elands in Kruger National Park?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Do leopards mark their territories?
Do they attack other predators?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
What threats do Brown Hyenas face?
To what diseases are baboons susceptible?
Are honey badgers dangerous?
Do baboons have a specific leader and how is dominance established?
How many baboons are there in the Kruger Park?
Is it true that giraffes have blue tongues?
Where can I see Mountain Reedbucks in the Kruger Park?
Can you swim with hippos in Kruger National Park?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?