One of these is the diminutive island fox. Feral pigs have played a pivotal role in the catastrophic decline of island foxes. Formerly rare or occasional visitors, golden eagles have taken up residence on the islands, sustained by the year-round supply of piglets. Golden eagles predation has placed the island fox on the brink of extinction. Feral pigs also destroy native vegetation, cause widespread erosion, threaten rare plants, and disturb archeological sites.