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 is the size of the average lion litter?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Do lions move around during the day?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Do lions attack elephants?
Can the female lion roar?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Can lions swim?
When do young lions become independent?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Are lions territorial?
Do lions eat carrion?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Why do some males have black manes?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
How far can the roar of a lion be heard?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
How large is the average lion pride?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Do lions have enemies?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Where can I find hippos in Kruger National Park?
What are the leopards breeding habits?
To what diseases are baboons susceptible?
How big do Serval get?
How do lions kill their prey?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
Do lions attack elephants?
What is a hippo?
Do Giraffes sleep?
Where can I see Mountain Reedbucks in the Kruger Park?
Why do African Elephants have wrinkles?
What are the predators of impalas in Kruger National Park?
Can you hear spotted hyenas laughing?
Can Serval be kept as pets?
What do porcupines eat?
Are Brown Hyenas dangerous?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
How do Vervet Monkeys communicate and are they aggressive?
Are there black leopards in the Kruger Park?
Are spotted hyenas endangered?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
What is a Honey Badger?
Where can I find impalas in Kruger National Park?
May I feed the animals in Kruger Park?
What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
Do lions often become man eaters?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
What are the main physical features of the cheetah?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Do Hyaenas run in packs?
Is the leopard a solitary animal?
What does a Serval look like?
Can visitors interact with the mammals in Kruger National Park?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?
How many cheetah are there in the Kruger Park?
Are impalas endangered?
What are some of the interesting facts about the impala found in the Kruger Park?
What threats do Brown Hyenas face?
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