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 female lions secure food for their cubs?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Do lions eat carrion?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
Do lions have enemies?
Why do some males have black manes?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
Can lions climb trees?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Do lions communicate well?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Do lions move around during the day?
What are lions breeding habits?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
How do lions kill their prey?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Are lions territorial?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
Is lion cub mortality high?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Can lions swim?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Are spotted hyenas social animals?
Do baboons have a specific breeding time?
Are lions territorial?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
How fast can cheetahs run?
Do Aardwolves have any predators?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
How can you tell the difference between male and female spotted hyenas?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Are cheetahs territorial?
Do elephants have a dominant tusk?
Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?
Are Suni social animals?
Where can Elands be found in Kruger National Park?
How can I identify a Brown Hyena?
Where can I find hippos in Kruger National Park?
Where can Honey Badgers be found in the Kruger National Park?
What is the gestation period of a Thick Tailed Bushbaby?
Do lions have enemies?
How can I increase my chances of seeing mammals in Kruger National Park?
What are some fun facts about Elephants?
To what diseases are baboons susceptible?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
What is the preferred habitat of the leopard?
What is the biggest animal killed by hyaenas?
What is an Eland?
Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect hippos in Kruger National Park?
How many muscles does an elephant trunk have?
Are honey badgers dangerous?
Are Mountain Reedbucks dangerous?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Are leopards very susceptible to disease?
How many cheetah are there in the Kruger Park?
How many baboons are there in the Kruger Park?
What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
What does a Thick Tailed Bushbaby eat?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
What is the general behaviour of the Lesser Bushbaby?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?