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
When do young lions become independent?
Can the female lion roar?
Are lions territorial?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Can lions swim?
How do lions kill their prey?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Do lions communicate well?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
What are lions breeding habits?
Why do some males have black manes?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
Do lions eat carrion?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Do lions move around during the day?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Do lions have enemies?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Do lions scavenge?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Where can Honey Badgers be found in the Kruger National Park?
How big do Klipspringers get?
What is an Aardwolf?
Do Thick Tailed Bushbabies demarcate their territory?
What is the size of the spotted hyaenas territory?
What threats do Brown Hyenas face?
Do lions eat carrion?
Do leopards mark their territories?
How is the prey of a cheetah caught and killed?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Do lions communicate well?
Are there any nocturnal mammals in Kruger National Park?
Are Suni social animals?
Do Blue wildebeest migrate?
What is the preferred habitat of the leopard?
What is a Klipspringer?
How many Brown Hyenas are there in Kruger Park?
What are the pangolin's scales made of?
Do elephants have a dominant tusk?
Are leopards very susceptible to disease?
What do cheetahs eat?
Do Hyaenas run in packs?
What is the general behaviour of a Vervet Monkey?
Can visitors go on walking safaris to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
What is an impala?
Can cheetahs climb trees?
Are lions territorial?
Where can Aardwolves be found in the Kruger Park?
Do baboons have a specific breeding time?
To what diseases are baboons susceptible?
Can lions climb trees?
What are the Thick Tailed Bushbabies enemies?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
What is a Honey Badger?
Can Aardwolves be kept as pets?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Are porcupines dangerous to humans?
What is a Blue wildebeest?
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