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
Can lions climb trees?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
Can the female lion roar?
Do lions move around during the day?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
What are lions breeding habits?
Do lions often become man eaters?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Are lions territorial?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Do lions communicate well?
How large is the average lion pride?
Do lions have enemies?
How do lions kill their prey?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Are Klipspringers easy to spot in Kruger National Park?
What are lions breeding habits?
When do leopard cubs become independent?
Where can Serval be found in the Kruger Park?
Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?
How fast can cheetahs run?
Are Honey Badgers endangered?
Where can I see Mountain Reedbucks in the Kruger Park?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
Do lions eat carrion?
What are the leopards breeding habits?
Do they attack other predators?
What does a Thick Tailed Bushbaby eat?
Are there any predators that hunt Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?
Are porcupines found in Kruger National Park?
Are there any conservation efforts in place to protect hippos in Kruger National Park?
Do lions move around during the day?
How can you tell the difference between male and female spotted hyenas?
Are porcupines dangerous to humans?
What kind of mammals can be found in Kruger National Park?
Where can I find Brown Hyenas in Kruger Park?
What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
What type of habitat do cheetahs prefer?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Are spotted hyenas endangered?
Can Aardwolves be kept as pets?
How often do elephants give birth?
Can visitors go on walking safaris to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
How can I identify a Brown Hyena?
Are honey badgers dangerous?
What is the gestation period for spotted hyenas?
Why do leopards hang their prey in trees?
Are Suni social animals?
Can the female lion roar?
It is said that baboons could kill a leopard. Is this true?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Is it true that giraffes have blue tongues?
Do baboons migrate?
What do Mountain Reedbucks look like?
Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?