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 is the normal life span of a lion?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Can lions climb trees?
Do lions attack elephants?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Can the female lion roar?
How large is the average lion pride?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
How do lions kill their prey?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
Do lions eat carrion?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Can lions swim?
Are lions cannibalistic?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
When do young lions become independent?
Do lions communicate well?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Why do some males have black manes?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Are lions territorial?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Where can I find hippos in Kruger National Park?
What should I do if I encounter a dangerous mammal in Kruger National Park?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
What is an Eland?
Do Thick Tailed Bushbabies demarcate their territory?
Are there black leopards in the Kruger Park?
Do Giraffes sleep?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
What kind of mammals can be found in Kruger National Park?
Do Honey Badgers have any predators?
Do Blue wildebeest migrate?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Do elephants have good memories?
What are some of the interesting facts about the impala found in the Kruger Park?
Is the leopard a solitary animal?
Is there a dominance hierarchy amongst other members of a baboon troop?
What is a Mountain Reedbuck?
How fast can Elands run?
What are the main physical features of the leopard?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
How much does an African Elephant weigh?
How much does a leopard eat per day?
How fast are cheetahs?
What do Blue wildebeest eat?
Do leopards returns to the prey left in a tree?
Do baboons migrate?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Are leopards very susceptible to disease?
Where can I find impalas in Kruger National Park?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
What is a Suni?
What is the preferred habitat of the leopard?
Why do African Elephants have wrinkles?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
How do leopards manage to get very heavy prey into a tree?
Are Warthogs fast?
Can porcupines shoot their quills?
What is the breeding season for impalas?
Where can I see Mountain Reedbucks in the Kruger Park?
Do porcupines have any predators?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?