5,036 feral pigs removed from Santa Cruz Island; fox population rebounded

Conservationists have successfully removed 5,036 feral pigs from Santa Cruz Island, leading to a significant recovery in the local fox population. The project was initiated to address an ecological imbalance caused by the presence of non-native pigs, which had attracted predatory golden eagles to the island.

Prior to the removal, golden eagles had begun preying on the native island foxes after bald eagles disappeared from the area. To stabilize the ecosystem, conservationists relocated the golden eagles and reintroduced native bald eagles, allowing the fox population to rebound following the eradication of the feral pigs.