Surplus killing

Surplus killing refers to a common behavior observed in certain predator species where they kill more prey than they can immediately consume and then often leave or store the remainder. The phenomenon is observed in various species throughout the animal kingdom, including but not limited to wolves, foxes, lions, orcas, leopards, spiders, domestic cats, and humans.

Overview

Surplus killing is often associated with carnivores and omnivores, and is most likely to occur when prey is abundant and easy to catch. This behavior is not fully understood, but several theories have been proposed to explain it. Some scientists believe that surplus killing is an evolutionary adaptation that allows predators to take advantage of times of plenty to compensate for times of scarcity. Others suggest that it may be a result of a predator's natural instinct to kill whenever it has the opportunity, regardless of its current needs.

In Different Species

In Mammals

In mammals like wolves and lions, surplus killing can occur when the animals encounter unusually large concentrations of prey. For example, a pack of wolves may kill more deer than they can eat in one sitting if they come across a large herd. Similarly, lions have been known to kill more than one wildebeest at a time during the wildebeest migration in Africa.

In Birds

Among birds, surplus killing is most commonly observed in raptors such as hawks and owls. These birds often kill more prey than they can consume, and store the extra food for later consumption.

In Humans

Humans are also known to engage in surplus killing, particularly in the context of hunting. This behavior in humans is often associated with trophy hunting, where the primary motivation is not to obtain food, but to acquire animal parts such as fur, ivory, or antlers as trophies.

See Also

• Predation
• Trophy hunting
• Food chain