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
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Do lions move around during the day?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
What is the normal life span of a lion?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Do lions eat carrion?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Do lions communicate well?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Are lions territorial?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
Why do some males have black manes?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
Do lions scavenge?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
What causes a lion to become a man eater?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
How do lions kill their prey?
Can lions climb trees?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
Do lions often become man eaters?
Are lions cannibalistic?
What are lions breeding habits?
Can the female lion roar?
Do lions have enemies?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
When do young lions become independent?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
Can lions swim?
How large is the average lion pride?
How much meat can a lion consume during one meal?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
What is the biggest animal killed by hyaenas?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
What do Vervet Monkeys eat?
Do lions eat carrion?
Can elephant tusks grow back?
What do Mountain Reedbucks eat?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
What are the predators of impalas in Kruger National Park?
What is the gestation period for spotted hyenas?
Are Porcupines rodents?
What type of habitat do spotted hyenas prefer?
Do lions communicate well?
What is the general behaviour of the Lesser Bushbaby?
Is it true that giraffes have blue tongues?
Do baboons have a specific leader and how is dominance established?
What type of habitat do cheetahs prefer?
Are Servals social animals?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
How fast can Blue wildebeest run?
How far can cheetah run at top speed?
How do lions kill their prey?
What are the main physical features of the Lesser Bushbaby?
What is an Eland?
Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
Do porcupines have any predators?
Can lions swim?
Can porcupines shoot their quills?
How long do Honey Badgers live?
Are lions territorial?
Do Hyaenas run in packs?
What is the gestation period of the Lesser Bushbaby?
Where can I find Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?
How do Thick Tailed Bushbabies communicate?
What are the Thick Tailed Bushbabies enemies?
Are spotted hyenas endangered?
Do Buffalo have good memories?
Do leopards roar?
What are the major physical features of the Vervet Monkey?
To what diseases are baboons susceptible?
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