The use of poisons, especially strychnine, to control mammalian predators is widespread in South Africa. This paper briefly reviews the evidence that this practice has adversely affected populations of several avian scavengers in the Karoo, and investigates the importation and distribution of strychnine. The availability of strychnine in the Karoo biome of South Africa was assessed by means of a survey of the 45 registered pharmacies, the only legal sources of supply, in the region. Ten pharmacies reported that they sold strychnine, and that a total of 3.5 kg was sold to 125 buyers in 1987. Eight pharmacies reported that they sold strychnine without a prescription from a veterinarian, in direct contravention of the Medicines and Related Substances Act (Act 101 of 1965), resulting in 3.0 kg (85%) of strychnine apparently being sold illegally to 105 (84%) buyers in 1987. The South African importers and wholesalers of strychnine were also identified. Approximately 44% of the strychnine imported into South Africa annually is sold in the Karoo. Available at: http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/docs/pub1989.html