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?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Is lion cub mortality high?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
How large is the average lion pride?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Can the female lion roar?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Do lions move around during the day?
Are lions territorial?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Do lions scavenge?
When do young lions become independent?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Do lions eat carrion?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
What are lions breeding habits?
Do lions attack elephants?
Do lions communicate well?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Do lions have enemies?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
How do lions kill their prey?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
It is said that baboons could kill a leopard. Is this true?
What do spotted hyenas eat?
How can you tell the difference between male and female spotted hyenas?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect hippos in Kruger National Park?
Do Hyaenas run in packs?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Do leopards mark their territories?
What do Mountain Reedbucks eat?
Do lions eat carrion?
Do lions communicate well?
Are Klipspringers easy to spot in Kruger National Park?
What type of habitat do spotted hyenas prefer?
What is a Brown Hyena?
Can the female lion roar?
What do cheetahs eat?
Why do African Elephants have wrinkles?
What do Klipspringers eat?
Where can Suni be found in the Kruger National Park?
Do baboons have a specific breeding time?
How do spotted hyenas hunt?
When is the best time to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
To what diseases are baboons susceptible?
Are there any endangered mammal species in Kruger National Park?
What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
How big do Klipspringers get?
Can porcupines shoot their quills?
Can elephant tusks grow back?
Where can I find Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?
Are Porcupines rodents?
Do baboons have a specific leader and how is dominance established?
What do Blue wildebeest eat?
What is the most dangerous animal in Africa?
Can cheetahs climb trees?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
What is the general behaviour of a Vervet Monkey?
What do Lesser Bushbabies eat?
Where can Blue wildebeest be found in the Kruger National Park?
What is the lifespan of an impala?
How fast can cheetahs run?
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