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 normal causes of death in lions?
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Do lions have enemies?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
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How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
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What are the preferred prey species of lion?
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Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Are lions territorial?
What are lions breeding habits?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Can the female lion roar?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
How do lions kill their prey?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Can lions swim?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Are porcupines found in Kruger National Park?
What do Honey Badgers eat?
Can visitors interact with the mammals in Kruger National Park?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Do Thick Tailed Bushbabies demarcate their territory?
How do lions kill their prey?
What are the Thick Tailed Bushbabies enemies?
How many cheetah are there in the Kruger Park?
Do elephants have good memories?
What is a Mountain Reedbuck?
Can porcupines shoot their quills?
When do leopard cubs become independent?
Are cheetahs dangerous to man?
What do Brown Hyenas eat?
What is the gestation period for spotted hyenas?
Where can Elands be found in Kruger National Park?
Are leopards territorial?
What is an Aardwolf?
What kind of sounds do cheetahs make?
Are lions territorial?
Are Aardwolves endangered?
Can lions climb trees?
Why do some males have black manes?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
What do Mountain Reedbucks look like?
What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
What are lions breeding habits?
Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect hippos in Kruger National Park?
How can you tell the difference between male and female spotted hyenas?
Are honey badgers dangerous?
What are some fun facts about Elephants?
What is the preferred habitat of the leopard?
How many Brown Hyenas are there in Kruger Park?
Are Porcupines rodents?
When do hyaenas hunt?
What are the leopards breeding habits?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
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