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
At what age are lions sexually mature?
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What are the normal causes of death in lions?
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What causes a lion to become a man eater?
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What are the preferred prey species of lion?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
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Can the female lion roar?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Do lions move around during the day?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
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Do lions attack elephants?
When do young lions become independent?
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More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
What do Vervet Monkeys eat?
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When do leopard cubs become independent?
What should I do if I encounter a dangerous mammal in Kruger National Park?
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What do cheetahs eat?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Where can Serval be found in the Kruger Park?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
What does the leopard diet consist of?
Do lions scavenge?
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What kind of mammals can be found in Kruger National Park?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
What is a Suni?
When do young lions become independent?
What are the major physical features of the Vervet Monkey?
Do Honey Badgers have any predators?
Can I see Brown Hyenas on a Kruger Park safari?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
How fast can Elands run?
Are Warthogs fast?
How big can hippos get?
What are the main physical features of the leopard?
Can you hear spotted hyenas laughing?
When is the best time to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
What is an impala?
Do lions move around during the day?
Are there black leopards in the Kruger Park?
What is the breeding season for impalas?
Are Elands dangerous?
How big are porcupines?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Are Serval endangered?
How fast can cheetahs run?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
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Can cheetahs climb trees?
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