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?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Can lions climb trees?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
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Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
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When do young lions become independent?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
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When is the best time for spotting lion?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
Can the female lion roar?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Do lions have enemies?
Can lions swim?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Do lions communicate well?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Do lions attack elephants?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Why do some males have black manes?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Are lions cannibalistic?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Are porcupines found in Kruger National Park?
Are Aardwolves endangered?
How is the prey of a cheetah caught and killed?
How do Elephants Communicate?
Do Honey Badgers have any predators?
What is the most dangerous animal in Africa?
What is an Eland?
Why do African Elephants have wrinkles?
What is the gestation period of the Lesser Bushbaby?
How fast can hyaena run?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Where can I find impalas in Kruger National Park?
Do Giraffes sleep?
Where can I see Mountain Reedbucks in the Kruger Park?
Are there black leopards in the Kruger Park?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
What is a Mountain Reedbuck?
How many muscles does an elephant trunk have?
What do Honey Badgers eat?
Where can Serval be found in the Kruger Park?
Can lions climb trees?
Are there any nocturnal mammals in Kruger National Park?
What is the general behaviour of the Lesser Bushbaby?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
What is the biggest animal killed by hyaenas?
What is the size and weight of an Aardwolf?
How can I identify a Brown Hyena?
Where can Aardwolves be found in the Kruger Park?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
How do Vervet Monkeys communicate and are they aggressive?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Do lions move around during the day?
What does a Serval eat?
Do baboons migrate?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Can I see Brown Hyenas on a Kruger Park safari?
What is the scientific name for the spotted hyena?
What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
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