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 males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Can lions swim?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Why do some males have black manes?
Do lions eat carrion?
How large is the average lion pride?
When do young lions become independent?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
Can lions climb trees?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Do lions communicate well?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Do lions scavenge?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
What are lions breeding habits?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Do lions have enemies?
Do lions move around during the day?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Are there any predators that hunt Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?
What is the best time of day to see Elands in Kruger National Park?
What kind of mammals can be found in Kruger National Park?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Are spotted hyenas social animals?
What is the lifespan of a baboon?
Can the female lion roar?
What is a Brown Hyena?
How do elephants use their tusks?
Are Thick Tailed Bushbabies territorial and to they actively defend their territory?
What are some fun facts about Elephants?
What type of habitat do cheetahs prefer?
Where can Suni be found in the Kruger National Park?
What do Honey Badgers eat?
How big can hippos get?
What is the potential life span of a leopard?
Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Do Aardwolves have any predators?
Why do African Elephants have wrinkles?
Where can I find Brown Hyenas in Kruger Park?
What is the breeding season for impalas?
What does a Serval eat?
What are some of the interesting facts about the impala found in the Kruger Park?
What do Mountain Reedbucks eat?
What is an Aardwolf?
What do Lesser Bushbabies eat?
Where can Honey Badgers be found in the Kruger National Park?
When do leopard cubs become independent?
What are the predators of impalas in Kruger National Park?
Do elephants have a dominant tusk?
What is the size and weight of an Aardwolf?
What do Mountain Reedbucks look like?
How big do Klipspringers get?
Are porcupines found in Kruger National Park?
How much does a leopard eat per day?
What are the main physical features of the cheetah?
What do Lesser Bushbabies eat?
Are Mountain Reedbucks endangered?
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