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
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
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When do young lions become independent?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
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Do all male lions possess a mane?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
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What is the size of the average lion litter?
Can the female lion roar?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Can lions swim?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Do lions communicate well?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
How do lions kill their prey?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Do lions eat carrion?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
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Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Do lions scavenge?
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What do Honey Badgers eat?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
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Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Are there black leopards in the Kruger Park?
What does a Thick Tailed Bushbaby look like?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
What is the life span of a lesser bushbaby?
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How fast can Elands run?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
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