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
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Why do some males have black manes?
Do lions attack elephants?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
Do lions move around during the day?
Do lions communicate well?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
How do lions kill their prey?
Can lions climb trees?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Do lions have enemies?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
When do young lions become independent?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Can the female lion roar?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Are lions territorial?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
How large is the average lion pride?
Do lions eat carrion?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Are Vervet Monkeys intelligent?
Are impalas endangered?
Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?
Do porcupines have any predators?
What is the general behaviour of the Lesser Bushbaby?
What is the general behaviour of a Thick Tailed Bushbaby?
When is the best time to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Can cheetahs climb trees?
What is a Serval?
What are the main physical features of the leopard?
Are Suni endangered?
Are porcupines dangerous to humans?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Can lions swim?
Do lions move around during the day?
What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
Why do some males have black manes?
What is the most dangerous animal in Africa?
What do spotted hyenas eat?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
What is an impala?
Are porcupines found in Kruger National Park?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Do elephants have good memories?
Can Aardwolves be kept as pets?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Where can I find hippos in Kruger National Park?
Are leopards territorial?
What do Vervet Monkeys eat?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
What do Elands look like?
Are lions territorial?
Do Blue wildebeest migrate?
How many Brown Hyenas are there in Kruger Park?
What is the gestation period of a Thick Tailed Bushbaby?
Are there black leopards in the Kruger Park?
Where can I find Brown Hyenas in Kruger Park?
How do Thick Tailed Bushbabies communicate?
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