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
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Is lion cub mortality high?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Can the female lion roar?
How large is the average lion pride?
Do lions move around during the day?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Can lions swim?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Can lions climb trees?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Do lions have enemies?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Do lions communicate well?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Are lions territorial?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
When do young lions become independent?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Do Aardwolves have any predators?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
When is the best time to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Are there any nocturnal mammals in Kruger National Park?
How often do elephants give birth?
Are spotted hyenas dangerous to humans?
What are some of the interesting facts about the impala found in the Kruger Park?
Are Klipspringers endangered?
Where can I find Brown Hyenas in Kruger Park?
Do Brown Hyenas live in packs?
How long do Blue wildebeest live?
What is a Mountain Reedbuck?
Do elephants have a dominant tusk?
What do Blue wildebeest eat?
What is the gestation period and life span of a Vervet Monkey?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
How big do Serval get?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
How fast can Blue wildebeest run?
What is the general behaviour of the Lesser Bushbaby?
How do Vervet Monkeys communicate and are they aggressive?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Are Elands dangerous?
What do Brown Hyenas eat?
Can visitors go on walking safaris to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Do baboons migrate?
Why are leopards so seldom seen?
What is the best time of day to see Elands in Kruger National Park?
Do lions eat carrion?
May I feed the animals in Kruger Park?
How fast can cheetahs run?
Where can Serval be found in the Kruger Park?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
What does a Serval look like?
What should I do if I encounter a dangerous mammal in Kruger National Park?
How much does a leopard eat per day?
When do young lions become independent?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?