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
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Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
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Do lions have enemies?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
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Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Are lions territorial?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
What are lions breeding habits?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
Can lions swim?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
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Are Mountain Reedbucks endangered?
Can visitors interact with the mammals in Kruger National Park?
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Is lion cub mortality high?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
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