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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


Can lions climb trees?

How do lions kill their prey?

Why do some males have black manes?

Do the female lions do most of the hunting?

Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?

Can the female lion roar?

What is the normal life span of a lion?

What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?

Is lion cub mortality high?

Which habitat to lions prefer?

Do lions move around during the day?

Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?

Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?

Do female lions secure food for their cubs?

Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?

Can lions swim?

Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?

Do lions eat carrion?

Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?

What are the normal causes of death in lions?

When is the best time for spotting lion?

How often do female lions produce cubs?

What are lions breeding habits?

Do lions attack elephants?

Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?

Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?

How large is the average lion pride?

What speed can a lion reach when charging?

Do lions kill their prey quickly?

How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?

Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?

What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?

What are the preferred prey species of lion?

Do lions often become man eaters?

What is the size of the average lion litter?

Do all male lions possess a mane?

What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?

Do lions scavenge?

Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?

Do lions hide during rainy weather?

More frequently asked questions on: Mammals


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What do Mountain Reedbucks eat?

Why do leopards hang their prey in trees?

Where can I find impalas in Kruger National Park?

What do cheetahs eat?

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Where can I find hippos in Kruger National Park?

Are there any nocturnal mammals in Kruger National Park?

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How many muscles does an elephant trunk have?

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