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

Feral pigs were eradicated from Santa Cruz Island, facilitating a resurgence in fox populations. With bald eagles no longer in the area, golden eagles preyed on the island's foxes. In response, conservationists captured the golden eagles and reintroduced the native bald eagles. A captive breeding initiative safeguarded the remaining island foxes from predators, resulting in a successful revival of the island's native wildlife and ecosystem.

Source: Times of India September 12, 2026 17:44 UTC