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
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Why do some males have black manes?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Do lions communicate well?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Can lions climb trees?
How do lions kill their prey?
Do lions move around during the day?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
When do young lions become independent?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
How large is the average lion pride?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Do lions eat carrion?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Do lions attack elephants?
Do lions have enemies?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
What are lions breeding habits?
Can lions swim?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
What is the gestation period of a Thick Tailed Bushbaby?
Is there a dominance hierarchy amongst other members of a baboon troop?
Are Mountain Reedbucks endangered?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
When do leopard cubs become independent?
Do porcupines have any predators?
What do Lesser Bushbabies eat?
Is there a specific breeding season, and how long is the gestation period of a cheetah?
Do Honey Badgers have any predators?
How many Brown Hyenas are there in Kruger Park?
Do Aardwolves have any predators?
When is the best time to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
How can you tell the difference between male and female spotted hyenas?
Where can I see Mountain Reedbucks in the Kruger Park?
How big do Serval get?
When do young lions become independent?
What do Elands eat?
How long do Suni live?
Where can Blue wildebeest be found in the Kruger National Park?
May I feed the animals in Kruger Park?
What does a Thick Tailed Bushbaby eat?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
To what diseases are baboons susceptible?
Do Thick Tailed Bushbabies demarcate their territory?
What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
Why are leopards so seldom seen?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
What do Blue wildebeest eat?
What is the lifespan of a Serval?
Do other predators prey upon leopard?
What are the leopards breeding habits?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Where can Honey Badgers be found in the Kruger National Park?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Do leopards mark their territories?
What is the lifespan of a baboon?
Are spotted hyenas dangerous to humans?
Are cheetahs solitary animals?
Are spotted hyenas endangered?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?