A species in a downward spiral. Not cute or cuddly, but vultures play a crucial role as nature's clean-up crew. In this episode, Dr. Gareth Tate, the Birds of Prey Program Manager for the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), chats with Ben Nichol (Conservation Impact Lead for Singita Lowveld Trust) (SLT) about vulture conservation. They discuss their role in ecosystems, the threats they face, and what's driving the alarming decline. Fast facts: • There are 23 species of vultures worldwide; 11 migrate through Africa. • Vultures can clean up an impala carcass (40kg) in just 10 minutes. • India's vulture population plummeted by 98%. • In SA, white-backed vultures have declined by 95% in 20 years. • A single poisoning event can wipe out 50-100 vultures, along with hyenas, jackals, and lions. • Several species are heading towards extinction and are classified as Endangered or Critically Endangered globally. We spell out the African vulture crisis – the major impact of poisoning (and secondary poisoning); habitat loss; collisions with power lines; and illegal poaching for belief-based medicine. It's not all doom-and-gloom, as Gareth sees real hope for the future. Hear about EWT's amazing conservation efforts - "vulture safe zones"; rapid response to poisoning; tracking technology (over 400 birds across huge ranges); and a new 'Vulture Ambulance' in the Greater Kruger Park, with an almost 100% success rate with rescued birds. Every donation funds field staff, poisoning response, rehabilitation, the Raptor Emergency Fund, and tracking satellites. The SLT supports the EWT Large Raptor and Wildlife Poisoning Rapid Response programs. Singita Guides assist with rapid response to poisoning. SLT aims to offer secure habitats, contributing to the Vulture Safe Zone Alliance. www.ewt.org.za