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
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Do lions communicate well?
Are lions territorial?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Do lions move around during the day?
Do lions attack elephants?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Can the female lion roar?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Why do some males have black manes?
Are young adults expelled from the pride?
Can lions swim?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
What are lions breeding habits?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
How large is the average lion pride?
Can lions climb trees?
Do lions eat carrion?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
What type of habitat do spotted hyenas prefer?
Where can Aardwolves be found in the Kruger Park?
What is a Suni?
What do Klipspringers eat?
What is the lifespan of a Serval?
What is the best time of day to see Elands in Kruger National Park?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Are Aardwolves social animals?
Do baboons migrate?
What is an Aardwolf?
Do Brown Hyenas live in packs?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Are cheetahs dangerous to man?
What is the gestation period and life span of a Vervet Monkey?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
What do hippos eat?
Do other predators prey upon leopard?
What is the lifespan of a baboon?
What are the Thick Tailed Bushbabies enemies?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Can Aardwolves be kept as pets?
Do lions attack elephants?
Do Honey Badgers have any predators?
Are leopards territorial?
Can visitors go on walking safaris to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
Do Giraffes sleep?
What do cheetahs eat?
Is there a dominance hierarchy amongst other members of a baboon troop?
Where can Suni be found in the Kruger National Park?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Are Klipspringers endangered?
What threats do Brown Hyenas face?
Where can Blue wildebeest be found in the Kruger National Park?
What does a Serval eat?
How do Vervet Monkeys communicate and are they aggressive?
How often do elephants give birth?
Why do some males have black manes?
What is the gestation period for spotted hyenas?
What are the pangolin's scales made of?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?