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 lions often become man eaters?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Do lions have enemies?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Do lions communicate well?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Why do some males have black manes?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Do lions move around during the day?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Can lions swim?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Can the female lion roar?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Can lions climb trees?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Are lions territorial?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Do lions attack elephants?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
How do lions kill their prey?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect hippos in Kruger National Park?
Do Buffalo have good memories?
How large is the average lion pride?
How can you tell the difference between male and female spotted hyenas?
How do spotted hyenas hunt?
Are there any predators that hunt Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?
Can lions climb trees?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Where can Suni be found in the Kruger National Park?
Are there any endangered mammal species in Kruger National Park?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
How fast are cheetahs?
Where can I find hippos in Kruger National Park?
What are the predators of impalas in Kruger National Park?
How do elephants use their tusks?
Are spotted hyenas endangered?
Do Giraffes sleep?
What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
Do Hyaenas run in packs?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Can you swim with hippos in Kruger National Park?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
What does a Serval look like?
Do Thick Tailed Bushbabies demarcate their territory?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Do Honey Badgers have any predators?
Are lions territorial?
When do hyaenas hunt?
How far can cheetah run at top speed?
What is a Blue wildebeest?
Can lions swim?
What is the gestation period for spotted hyenas?
Are Serval endangered?
Do lions have enemies?
What do Honey Badgers eat?
What is the size of the spotted hyaenas territory?
What is a Honey Badger?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?