The Cape vulture, Southern Africa's only endemic vulture species, has shown positive signs of recovery in some parts of its range, with the overall population stabilizing. In 2021, the species' conservations status improved from endangered to vulnerable, making the Cape vulture a rare success story for vulture conservation in Africa, say conservationists. Despite this success many challenges remain in protecting this species and other vultures due to threats such as poisoning, energy infrastructure and, increasingly, "belief-based use." The recovery of the Cape vulture provides a positive example for vulture conservation, but replicating this success with other species is riddled with challenges, say experts.