Nigerian Scientist Wins Global Award for Bats Conservation Efforts

In a landmark recognition, Nigerian environmentalist Iroro Tanshi has been honored with the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for her impactful work in safeguarding the endangered short-tailed roundleaf bat. Her initiative, sparked by a wildfire that threatened the species, has not only protected the bats but also transformed local attitudes toward them. The award, given to six individuals this year, marks the first time all recipients are women in the prize’s 37-year history.

Fire as a Catalyst for Change

The event began when Tanshi, then a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington, identified the short-tailed roundleaf bat in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, a region in southeastern Nigeria. The species had not been sighted in nearly five decades, making her discovery a significant ecological milestone. Yet, the wildfire that followed—a burning event lasting three weeks—posed an urgent threat. “It was a serious situation,” she shared with the BBC Focus on Africa podcast, highlighting the environmental crisis that catalyzed her conservation work.

“Your shea butter, whether raw or used in cosmetics globally, originates from bats dispersing the seeds of the tree,” Tanshi explained. “Essentially, you come to see that they play so many critical roles, it’s almost impossible to ignore them.”

Traditionally, bats in Nigeria are linked to superstitions, often viewed as harbingers of witchcraft. However, Tanshi’s campaign shifted this narrative. By framing the issue around wildfires, which affected both the bats and local communities, she created a shared challenge. “We needed to convince people to protect the habitat,” she said. “The wildfire problem was also a community problem—that was the hook.”

Tanshi’s team suspects the fire was ignited by a farmer clearing land near the forest. While the blaze was uncontrollable for weeks, the community’s collaboration with her team helped mitigate further damage. Through educational programs and media outreach, particularly targeting children, Tanshi and her fire brigades have successfully curtailed serious wildfires in and around the 24,700-acre sanctuary from 2022 to May 2025.

“It’s incredible to know the work we’re doing has global relevance,” Tanshi reflected. The award underscores the importance of her efforts, which blend ecological preservation with cultural change. As she continues her research, her success offers a model for integrating local concerns with broader conservation goals.

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