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 communicate well?
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Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
Can the female lion roar?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
How large is the average lion pride?
Do lions eat carrion?
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What are lions breeding habits?
Do lions attack elephants?
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When do young lions become independent?
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When is the best time for spotting lion?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Is lion cub mortality high?
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Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Do lions move around during the day?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
Are lions cannibalistic?
How do lions kill their prey?
Can lions climb trees?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
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What does the leopard diet consist of?
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It is said that baboons could kill a leopard. Is this true?
Where can Blue wildebeest be found in the Kruger National Park?
How long do Blue wildebeest live?
Are Suni endangered?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Are leopards territorial?
Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?
Can lions swim?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
Are spotted hyenas social animals?
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What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Do lions move around during the day?
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Are Aardwolves endangered?
What is a Suni?
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Are Suni social animals?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
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What is the preferred habitat of the leopard?
Are Vervet Monkeys intelligent?
How many muscles does an elephant trunk have?
Do leopards returns to the prey left in a tree?
Are hippos dangerous?
How can you tell the difference between male and female spotted hyenas?
What threats do Brown Hyenas face?
Is there a dominance hierarchy amongst other members of a baboon troop?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Do Giraffes sleep?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
When do hyaenas hunt?
What are the pangolin's scales made of?
Where can you find spotted hyenas in Kruger National Park?
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Do lions attack elephants?
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