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 lions move around during the day?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Do lions communicate well?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
When do young lions become independent?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Do lions often become man eaters?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Why do some males have black manes?
Can lions climb trees?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
How large is the average lion pride?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
What are lions breeding habits?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Can lions swim?
Do lions eat carrion?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Do lions have enemies?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Are leopards territorial?
What do Suni eat?
What do Klipspringers eat?
How do lions kill their prey?
How long do Blue wildebeest live?
Are lions territorial?
Can porcupines shoot their quills?
What is a Serval?
Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect hippos in Kruger National Park?
What are the leopards breeding habits?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
What is the lifespan of a Serval?
How do Thick Tailed Bushbabies communicate?
Are impalas endangered?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
What are the main physical features of the cheetah?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
What is the gestation period of a Thick Tailed Bushbaby?
How do Vervet Monkeys communicate and are they aggressive?
What is a Honey Badger?
What is the general behaviour of the Lesser Bushbaby?
Do Brown Hyenas live in packs?
Are cheetahs dangerous to man?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Do leopards roar?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
How fast can impalas run?
Are spotted hyenas dangerous to humans?
Are Suni endangered?
Do Buffalo have good memories?
Can you hear spotted hyenas laughing?
Where can Suni be found in the Kruger National Park?
What is the lifespan of a porcupine?
Are Aardwolves social animals?
Is it true that giraffes have blue tongues?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
When do hyaenas hunt?
Are porcupines dangerous to humans?
Do Suni have any predators?
Are cheetahs often robbed of their kill?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?