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
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
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How often do female lions produce cubs?
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When is the best time for spotting lion?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
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What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
What are lions breeding habits?
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Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
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How do lions kill their prey?
When do young lions become independent?
Why do some males have black manes?
Do lions have enemies?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
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Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Can the female lion roar?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Are lions territorial?
Do lions scavenge?
Do lions eat carrion?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Do elephants have a dominant tusk?
Can visitors interact with the mammals in Kruger National Park?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
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What is the scientific name for the spotted hyena?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Do Giraffes sleep?
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What do Honey Badgers eat?
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What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Are Thick Tailed Bushbabies territorial and to they actively defend their territory?
Do lions eat carrion?
How do leopards manage to get very heavy prey into a tree?
Why do African Elephants have wrinkles?
Are there any predators that hunt Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?
What is a Brown Hyena?
What is the lifespan of an impala?
What is the general behaviour of the Lesser Bushbaby?
Can you swim with hippos in Kruger National Park?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Are Blue wildebeest endangered?
Are Vervet Monkeys intelligent?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
What do Suni eat?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
What are the leopards breeding habits?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
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Are Aardwolves endangered?
What do Mountain Reedbucks look like?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
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