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
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Can lions swim?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
When do young lions become independent?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Do lions communicate well?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
Are lions territorial?
How large is the average lion pride?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Why do some males have black manes?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
What are lions breeding habits?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Do lions attack elephants?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Do lions eat carrion?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Can lions climb trees?
Do lions scavenge?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
How long do Suni live?
Can you hear spotted hyenas laughing?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
What does the leopard diet consist of?
What do Vervet Monkeys eat?
Do Buffalo have good memories?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
How fast can Elands run?
What do Mountain Reedbucks eat?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Are Servals social animals?
Do lions scavenge?
Do Aardwolves have any predators?
Do other predators prey upon leopard?
Is there a dominance hierarchy amongst other members of a baboon troop?
How much does an African Elephant weigh?
Are honey badgers dangerous?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Can lions climb trees?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Where can I find Brown Hyenas in Kruger Park?
Are spotted hyenas dangerous to humans?
How far can cheetah run at top speed?
How do elephants use their tusks?
Are there any predators that hunt Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?
How can you tell the difference between male and female spotted hyenas?
How do spotted hyenas hunt?
Where can Blue wildebeest be found in the Kruger National Park?
Do Hyaenas have the strongest jaws?
Do leopards returns to the prey left in a tree?
Is lion cub mortality high?
What are the main physical features of the cheetah?
Are Klipspringers easy to spot in Kruger National Park?
What are some of the interesting facts about the impala found in the Kruger Park?
Are Mountain Reedbucks endangered?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Where can I find hippos in Kruger National Park?
How many baboons are there in the Kruger Park?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
What are the predators of impalas in Kruger National Park?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?