A significant discovery has been made in Nigeria as biologist Iroro Tanshi has re-identified a species of bat long thought to be extinct. This momentous finding occurred during Tanshi’s expedition in 2016 at the Cross River National Park and the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, where she encountered the short-tailed roundleaf bat. The species had not been observed in the area for an astonishing 45 years, and its return raises hope for conservation in the region.
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Tanshi, a 41-year-old wildlife researcher, shared her experience of the discovery, noting the excitement of trapping a large-eared bat that looked distinctly different from those typically found. “We were trapping near a roost that night, so we caught a lot of bats,” she said in an interview with The Guardian. Her initial curiosity led her to employ harp traps and mist nets, ultimately capturing an additional 15 bats of this rare variety. Reflecting on the experience, she remarked, “That was the moment that changed everything.”
The short-tailed roundleaf bat not only boasts impressive features, such as oversized ears and round noses, but they also have a remarkably small weight, comparable to a teaspoon of salt. Their diet primarily consists of fruit, nectar, pollen, and insects, indicating their important ecological role as pollinators and agents of seed dispersal.
However, the rediscovery also unveiled dire threats facing the species. Just weeks after the initial sighting, a wildfire devastated the forest surrounding the bats’ habitat. Furthermore, Tanshi noted that while there was a general respect for other wildlife in the area, bats were often hunted. “People were very familiar with the need to protect nature and conserve these animals… but everything else was up for grabs,” she explained.
In response to the plight of the bats, Tanshi, along with fellow bat specialist Benneth Obitte, established the Small Mammal Conservation Organization (SMACON) in 2016. The organisation aims to safeguard not only bats but also other small mammals threatened by various dangers, including wildfires and hunting practices.
One of SMACON’s key initiatives involves implementing a forest guardian system, complete with patrols to monitor and protect the conservation areas. These patrols are equipped with firefighting tools and communication devices, which are crucial for quick response to emerging threats such as fires. In addition, Tanshi has developed educational programmes designed to inform children about the importance of bat conservation and fire prevention through engaging classroom activities.
Tanshi’s dedication to preserving the short-tailed roundleaf bat has not gone unrecognised; she has been awarded the prestigious Goldman Prize for her environmental efforts in 2026. This accolade highlights her commitment to biodiversity and offers recognition to grassroots environmentalists around the world.
As Tanshi continues her work, she hopes that her findings will inspire greater awareness and action towards conservation in Nigeria. “Something that we thought was extinct was in this beautiful place that nobody goes to,” she said, underscoring both the rarity of the species and the beauty of its habitat.
The rediscovery of the short-tailed roundleaf bat represents a beacon of hope within the field of conservation, reminding us that even against challenging odds, persistent efforts can yield significant results. With a renewed focus on protecting these bats and their environment, there is optimism for the future of this remarkable species in Nigeria’s unique ecosystems.