A remarkable discovery in Nigeria’s rainforest has changed what scientists know about one of Africa’s rarest mammals. Dr. Iroro Tanshi, a Nigerian biologist and conservationist, rediscovered the short-tailed roundleaf bat, a species many experts believed had disappeared forever.
Her breakthrough has done more than rewrite scientific records. It has also placed Nigeria at the center of an important conservation story while highlighting the growing influence of African women in global science.
Dr. Iroro Tanshi’s Rare Bat Discovery Changed Conservation Science
During a PhD field expedition in 2016, Dr. Tanshi was studying bats at the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary in southeastern Nigeria. While checking bats caught near a cave, one animal immediately caught her attention because of its unusually large ears.
After consulting her field guide, she realized she was looking at the short-tailed roundleaf bat (Hipposideros curtus). The species had not been seen in the wild since the 1970s. Scientists had feared it had quietly gone extinct after its known habitats disappeared.
Speaking about the life-changing moment, Tanshi recalled:
“That was the moment that changed everything. Actually, there was the catching and the moment of realisation, like: ‘Oh my gosh.'”
The discovery marked one of the most important wildlife findings in West Africa in recent years.
Search for More Bats Revealed a Tiny Surviving Population
Rather than ending the research there, Dr. Tanshi expanded the search with local field assistants. The team used harp traps and mist nets across caves in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and nearby Cross River National Park.
Their efforts uncovered 15 additional short-tailed roundleaf bats. The discovery confirmed that a small population had survived despite decades of habitat destruction and hunting.
The tiny mammals weigh about the same as a level teaspoon of salt. Unlike fruit bats, they have small eyes and a large folded nose that helps them navigate complete darkness using echolocation.
Because the bats are extremely sensitive to bright light and loud sounds, Tanshi used red lights during her research to avoid disturbing them.
“You put it on for a short time and turn it off again to kind of see your way or see the bat that’s hanging there,” she explained.
Nigerian Rainforest Faces Ongoing Threats to Rare Wildlife
Although the rediscovery was exciting, Dr. Tanshi quickly realized the bats still faced serious dangers. Local conservation efforts largely focused on larger animals such as primates, while bats received little protection.
She found that hunting continued even inside protected areas.
“People were very familiar with the need to protect nature and conserve these animals,” she said. “You couldn’t kill those animals in the village without getting reported. But everything else was up for grabs.”
She added that bats continue to face deep cultural misunderstandings. Across many communities, they are linked to myths, bad luck, disease outbreaks, and fear.
“Bats can’t catch a break, sadly,” she said while describing the complicated public attitude toward the animals.
Dr. Iroro Tanshi Built Conservation Programs Beyond Scientific Research
Recognizing that research alone would not save the species, Dr. Tanshi co-founded the Small Mammal Conservation Organisation (SMACON) with fellow bat researcher Benneth Obitte in 2016.
The organization promotes the conservation of bats, rodents, and other overlooked small mammals that rarely receive public attention.
A year later, the team launched the Zero Wildfire Campaign. The initiative helps farmers reduce dangerous bush fires by using color-coded warning systems and trained Forest Guardians who monitor controlled burning.
According to Tanshi, the program has helped reduce wildfires around the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary during the past five years, creating a safer environment for wildlife.
Global Awards Celebrate Nigerian Woman Leading Wildlife Conservation
Dr. Tanshi’s work has earned international recognition. She received a Goldman Environmental Prize, becoming one of only six women worldwide honored that year.
She also earned a Whitley Award and the National Geographic/Buffett Award for Leadership in Conservation, recognizing both her scientific achievements and her community-based conservation efforts.
Reflecting on the honors, she told the BBC Focus on Africa podcast:
“There are very few things in this world that signal to you that the work that you’re doing has global relevance than things like this.”
Now a postdoctoral fellow at the Washington Research Foundation, Dr. Tanshi remains passionate about uncovering the hidden wildlife living inside Nigeria’s forests.
Her journey shows how one scientist’s curiosity can reshape global knowledge while inspiring stronger protection for endangered species. More importantly, it highlights the growing impact of African women leading world-class scientific discoveries.
