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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


Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?

Do lions move around during the day?

When is the best time for spotting lion?

Do lions hide during rainy weather?

Can lions swim?

Are lions territorial?

Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?

Are the senses of a lion well developed?

What is the normal life span of a lion?

Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?

Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?

Do lions attack elephants?

What are the preferred prey species of lion?

Are male lions more aggressive than females?

How do lions kill their prey?

Which habitat to lions prefer?

Do female lions secure food for their cubs?

Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?

How far can the roar of a lion be heard?

Are young adults expelled from the pride?

Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?

Do the home ranges of lions overlap?

How often do female lions produce cubs?

Is lion cub mortality high?

Do lions kill their prey quickly?

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

Do the female lions do most of the hunting?

Do lions eat carrion?

Do lions have enemies?

What speed can a lion reach when charging?

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

What is the size of the average lion litter?

At what age are lions sexually mature?

How long do African Lions sleep on average?

Do all male lions possess a mane?

Are lions cannibalistic?

Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?

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

Why do some males have black manes?

How large is the average lion pride?