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
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Do lions communicate well?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
How large is the average lion pride?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Do lions move around during the day?
Do lions eat carrion?
Can lions climb trees?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Why do some males have black manes?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Are lions territorial?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Do lions scavenge?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
Can lions swim?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Do lions attack elephants?
When do young lions become independent?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
How fast can Blue wildebeest run?
What is a Blue wildebeest?
What are lions breeding habits?
Is the cheetah a true cat?
May I feed the animals in Kruger Park?
Are spotted hyenas social animals?
Are hippos dangerous?
What is the lifespan of a porcupine?
Do they attack other predators?
Where can Aardwolves be found in the Kruger Park?
Can elephant tusks grow back?
Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect hippos in Kruger National Park?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Are cheetahs often robbed of their kill?
Are cheetahs dangerous to man?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Do elephants have good memories?
How can I identify a Brown Hyena?
What do porcupines eat?
Where can I find hippos in Kruger National Park?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Can Aardwolves be kept as pets?
How often do elephants give birth?
Are Aardwolves endangered?
Is there a specific breeding season, and how long is the gestation period of a cheetah?
Do Blue wildebeest migrate?
Do Honey Badgers have any predators?
What is the size of the spotted hyaenas territory?
Do baboons have a specific leader and how is dominance established?
What are the Thick Tailed Bushbabies enemies?
Do Brown Hyenas live in packs?
What is the lifespan of a Serval?
Are impalas endangered?
Are there black leopards in the Kruger Park?
How big do Klipspringers get?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
How many cheetah are there in the Kruger Park?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Do lions have enemies?
Where can you find spotted hyenas in Kruger National Park?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?