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
Why do some males have black manes?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
When do young lions become independent?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
Do lions move around during the day?
Are lions territorial?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Do lions communicate well?
Do lions have enemies?
Do lions attack elephants?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
How large is the average lion pride?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
What are lions breeding habits?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
How do lions kill their prey?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Can lions swim?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Are Klipspringers easy to spot in Kruger National Park?
Is the leopard a solitary animal?
Are spotted hyenas dangerous to humans?
Are Vervet Monkeys intelligent?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Are porcupines found in Kruger National Park?
Are impalas endangered?
What is the lifespan of a porcupine?
What is the lifespan of a baboon?
Do Suni have any predators?
What does the leopard diet consist of?
Do lions eat carrion?
What do Lesser Bushbabies eat?
Are there black leopards in the Kruger Park?
How big can hippos get?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Do other predators prey upon leopard?
Do baboons have a specific leader and how is dominance established?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
What type of habitat do cheetahs prefer?
Are Serval endangered?
What kind of mammals can be found in Kruger National Park?
Are leopards very susceptible to disease?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Do lions have enemies?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Where can I find impalas in Kruger National Park?
Are cheetahs territorial?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
What is an impala?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
What do Mountain Reedbucks eat?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
What is the lifespan of a Serval?
Are Honey Badgers endangered?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Do they attack other predators?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
What should I do if I encounter a dangerous mammal in Kruger National Park?
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