24 September 2014 Last updated at 12:18
By Jonathan WebbScience reporter, BBC News
"Restaurants" of dead meat set up for endangered vultures also attract an undesirable clientele of hyenas and jackals, according to a six-year study.
The research consisted of repeated "scat surveys" (dung counts) at two nearby sites in South Africa.
There was a surge in numbers of both the cheeky mammals, specifically at the site with extra food, which went back down again when the restaurants closed.
The scientists have recommended a new strategy to help boost vulture numbers.
The birds have been in decline worldwide for a number of reasons.
Specifically, the researchers suggest using fences to exclude the unwanted, earthbound customers, and dishing up the extra meat for the vultures in random locations instead of re-stocking a regular carrion pantry.
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