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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How long do African Lions sleep on average?
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Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
What is the purpose of roaring and when do lions roar?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
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What is the normal life span of a lion?
How do lions kill their prey?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
How large is the average lion pride?
Why do some males have black manes?
Why to male lions kill cubs that are not their own?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
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Do you want to test your knowledge on the animals of the Kruger National Park?