Vultures in South Africa pushed into extinction by gamblers who smoke their brains for magic powers

South Africa's vultures are being pushed into extinction by gamblers who believe smoking their dried brains will give them special powers, wildlife organisations have warned.

While British fans study the form book and the back pages, some South Africans believe the "muti" magic will help them predict football match results. And they are hoping the World Cup will be a great opportunity for a big win.



Conservationists fear the birds, which are already facing global extinction, will be further threatened by the superstition. Executive director of BirdLife South Africa, Mark Anderson, said: "Many vulture species across the world are in trouble.

"Our very own species in southern Africa is declining sharply for a number of reasons, including reduced food availability, deliberate poisoning and electrocution from electricity pylons. The harvesting of the bird's heads by followers of muti magic is an additional threat these birds can't endure."

With news video.