What Animals Do Lions Hunt?

A lioness in a grassy field.

Lions in Africa mostly live in groups called prides. As carnivorous animals, they hunt other animals for food. Female lions (lionesses) do most of the hunting because of their smaller size and superior agility. Lions usually hunt at night in groups. The lions surround the prey and quickly lunge at the closest animal in a herd. When catching its prey, a lion will knock it down and then bite the throat or face to cause asphyxiation and bleeding.

Wildebeest

Wildebeests live in herds and are especially vulnerable while drinking water.

Lions often hunt the wildebeest, a type of antelope native to Africa. Wildebeests live in herds and can live up to 30 years in the wild. They can run at speeds up to 40 mph and weigh up to 600 lbs.

Zebra

The zebra's stripes make it one of the most recognizable animals.

Lions also hunt the zebra, a member of the horse family. Their distinct black and white stripes can confuse predators like lions because when they stand together in a herd it might be hard to distinguish one animal from another.

African Buffalo

A herd of African buffalo.

The African Buffalo, a member of the bovid family (which includes cattle) is also a common prey animal for lions. They live in swamps and grasslands and roam in herds. It usually takes more than one lion to kill these large and powerful animals.

References

• How Lions Hunt
• African Lion
• African Lion Working Group