Of the 23 species of Vultures found worldwide, 16 are classified as either Near-Threatened, Endangered or Critically Endangered. 3 of South Africa’s 8 vulture species (including the once-prolific White-backed Vulture) are now regarded as Critically Endangered globally.

Vultures are primarily scavengers that feed on dead animals. They rarely prey on healthy animals but may kill an ill or injured one. By quickly disposing of carrion, vultures prevent the transmission of diseases such as anthrax, rabies and tuberculosis. They are extremely important in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. They provide huge economic benefits through saved human health care expenses, waste disposal services and tourism.
Vultures are particularly vulnerable to poisoning due to their communal feeding habits, one poisoned carcass has the capacity to kill hundreds of vultures. The rapid decline of most vulture species is due to an anti-inflammatory drug, Diclofenac. Diolofenac is used by farmers to treat arthritis in cattle and other livestock. It causes lethal kidney failure to many vultures that feed on carcasses of treated animals. Poachers also poison rhino and elephant kills to prevent vultures drawing attention to the carcasses.
Throughout Africa,  vultures are heavily exploited by illegal wildlife traders. There is both local and international demand for their body parts which are believed to have traditional medicinal healing properties. Another huge threat to vultures is habitat loss through urbanization, electrocution through collisions with power lines and collisions with wind turbines. This threat is increasing in both Southern and North Africa as electrical infrastructure development with more power lines and wind farms increases.