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
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When is the best time for spotting lion?
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What is the normal life span of a lion?
When do young lions become independent?
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How do lions kill their prey?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Is lion cub mortality high?
What are lions breeding habits?
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More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?
What are the main physical features of the cheetah?
Are there any nocturnal mammals in Kruger National Park?
Do lions move around during the day?
Can the female lion roar?
Where can Aardwolves be found in the Kruger Park?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
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Do porcupines have any predators?
Can you hear spotted hyenas laughing?
Are Honey Badgers endangered?
Are spotted hyenas dangerous to humans?
Where can Honey Badgers be found in the Kruger National Park?
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Are impalas endangered?
Can lions climb trees?
When is the best time to see mammals in Kruger National Park?
Why are leopards so seldom seen?
Where can I find Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?
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Are hippos dangerous?
What are the pangolin's scales made of?
Do Hyaenas have the strongest jaws?
What is the gestation period of a Thick Tailed Bushbaby?
What do Elands eat?
Why do some males have black manes?
How do spotted hyenas hunt?
How do Thick Tailed Bushbabies communicate?
How long do Honey Badgers live?
What do cheetahs eat?
Are Elands dangerous?
Are lions cannibalistic?
What is a Klipspringer?
What does a Thick Tailed Bushbaby eat?
Are there black leopards in the Kruger Park?
Where can I find hippos in Kruger National Park?
What is the gestation period of the Lesser Bushbaby?
How big do Serval get?
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