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 are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Are lions territorial?
Do lions communicate well?
Do lions have enemies?
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?
When do young lions become independent?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Do lions eat carrion?
How do lions kill their prey?
Do lions attack elephants?
Why do some males have black manes?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Can lions swim?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
What are lions breeding habits?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Do lions move around during the day?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Can the female lion roar?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Is lion cub mortality high?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
What do cheetahs eat?
Are Mountain Reedbucks dangerous?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
What are the predators of impalas in Kruger National Park?
Where can I find hippos in Kruger National Park?
Why are leopards so seldom seen?
Are cheetahs often robbed of their kill?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Are Suni endangered?
What do Suni eat?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
When do leopard cubs become independent?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?
What is a Mountain Reedbuck?
Do Blue wildebeest migrate?
Can you swim with hippos in Kruger National Park?
What is the size of the spotted hyaenas territory?
What is the scientific name for the spotted hyena?
What are the main physical features of the cheetah?
What do Elands eat?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
How long do Blue wildebeest live?
What type of habitat do cheetahs prefer?
How do lions kill their prey?
Are Klipspringers easy to spot in Kruger National Park?
What do Mountain Reedbucks look like?
What kind of mammals can be found in Kruger National Park?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
To what diseases are baboons susceptible?
When is the best time to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
How can you tell the difference between male and female spotted hyenas?
Are Porcupines rodents?
Can cheetahs climb trees?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
What are the main physical features of the leopard?
Do lions communicate well?
Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect hippos in Kruger National Park?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Are lions territorial?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?