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
Do lions hide during rainy weather?
What is the distribution of lions in the Kruger Park?
How large is the average lion pride?
How do lions kill their prey?
Do lions eat carrion?
Were lions ever found on continents other than Africa?
Do lions communicate well?
Does a pride of lions accept a stranger?
Does the male or the female lion initiate copulation?
Could vultures lead lions to a dead animal?
Do males often fight over females or in territorial disputes?
When is the best time for spotting lion?
Do lions have a social hierarchy?
Do the female lions do most of the hunting?
Are the senses of a lion well developed?
Are lions cannibalistic?
Is lion cub mortality high?
Do all male lions possess a mane?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
Can the female lion roar?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Do the home ranges of lions overlap?
What are lions breeding habits?
Can lions swim?
Do lions use specific strategy when they hunt?
How long do African Lions sleep on average?
Is it true that lions usually mate over a two to three day period?
Do female lions secure food for their cubs?
When do young lions become independent?
Do lions have enemies?
Are lions territorial?
What speed can a lion reach when charging?
What is the size of the average lion litter?
Are male lions more aggressive than females?
What are the biggest animals attacked by lion?
Are lions sometimes injured by their prey?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
At what age are lions sexually mature?
Do lions attack elephants?
Is there a way that one lion or lioness could avoid aggression from another?
More frequently asked questions on: Mammals
What is an Eland?
Do Thick Tailed Bushbabies demarcate their territory?
Do lions kill their prey quickly?
What do Aardwolves eat?
What type of habitat do cheetahs prefer?
Do Buffalo have good memories?
What type of habitat do spotted hyenas prefer?
It is said that baboons could kill a leopard. Is this true?
Are lions territorial?
How often do female lions produce cubs?
Are impalas endangered?
What do Lesser Bushbabies eat?
Where can I find Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?
Do male baboons often kill each other in fights?
What does a Thick Tailed Bushbaby look like?
Do lions eat carrion?
Are there any predators that hunt Klipspringers in Kruger National Park?
Is the leopard a solitary animal?
What is the preferred habitat of the leopard?
Is there a dominance hierarchy amongst other members of a baboon troop?
Do leopards returns to the prey left in a tree?
Will a lioness allow cubs other than her own to suckle?
Do lions scavenge?
What are the preferred prey species of lion?
Do porcupines have any predators?
What are the main physical features of the leopard?
Do elephants have good memories?
What do Vervet Monkeys eat?
Do leopards mark their territories?
What are the normal causes of death in lions?
How do Thick Tailed Bushbabies communicate?
Are Vervet Monkeys intelligent?
How many Brown Hyenas are there in Kruger Park?
Is the cheetah a true cat?
What do Honey Badgers eat?
Do Hyaenas run in packs?
Why do African Elephants have wrinkles?
What is the best time of day to see Elands in Kruger National Park?
Which habitat to lions prefer?
What is the most dangerous animal in Africa?
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