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
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Do lions move around during the day?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Do lions attack elephants?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Can lions climb trees?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Are lions territorial?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Why do some males have black manes?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
Do lions scavenge?
How large is the average lion pride?
Do lions often become man eaters?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Do lions have enemies?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
How do lions kill their prey?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
When do young lions become independent?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect hippos in Kruger National Park?
Why do African Elephants have wrinkles?
Do they attack other predators?
How do leopards manage to get very heavy prey into a tree?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Where can Serval be found in the Kruger Park?
How much does an African Elephant weigh?
Are Aardwolves social animals?
Can cheetahs climb trees?
What are lions breeding habits?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
Are leopards territorial?
How fast are cheetahs?
What is the breeding season for impalas?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Are Vervet Monkeys intelligent?
Are there black leopards in the Kruger Park?
Do baboons have a specific leader and how is dominance established?
How many baboons are there in the Kruger Park?
Do lions eat carrion?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
What do porcupines eat?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Where can Suni be found in the Kruger National Park?
How often do elephants give birth?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Are cheetahs territorial?
Do Honey Badgers have any predators?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Are Blue wildebeest endangered?
Are spotted hyenas endangered?
Where can Honey Badgers be found in the Kruger National Park?
Can porcupines shoot their quills?
Can Serval be kept as pets?
Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?
What is the scientific name for the spotted hyena?
Can Aardwolves be kept as pets?
Can I see Brown Hyenas on a Kruger Park safari?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?