Nigerian Scientist Wins Global Award for Bat Conservation Efforts

Mon Apr 20 2026 18:01:06 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Iroro Tanshi, a Nigerian ecologist, receives the Goldman Environmental Prize for her campaign to protect endangered bats in Nigeria, tackling environmental challenges rooted in local cultural perceptions.

Iroro Tanshi, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington, has won the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize. Her innovative approach to conservation focuses on safeguarding the endangered short-tailed roundleaf bat in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Nigeria, where bats are often associated with witchcraft. By addressing wildfires caused by farming activities, Tanshi led a community initiative that not only mitigated wildfire impacts but also educated locals on the ecological importance of bats. Her campaign resulted in preventing serious wildfires and shifting public perception about the importance of bats and their role in ecosystems.

A Nigerian scientist's personal experience with a wildfire and her campaign to save endangered bats have earned her the global Goldman Environmental Prize. Found in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary in southeastern Nigeria, Iroro Tanshi was shocked to discover the short-tailed roundleaf bat for the first time in almost 50 years, yet this was overshadowed by the threat of wildfires.

In Nigeria, bats are often stigmatized and linked to witchcraft. Despite this, Tanshi successfully spearheaded a community-driven initiative to protect their habitats by combating wildfires in the areas where they live.

During an interview with the BBC Focus on Africa podcast, Tanshi highlighted the serious wildfire situation that prompted her activism. The community, dealing with wildfires threatening their farms, resonated with her mission to protect the bats.

As a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington focused on bats, Tanshi identified human-induced wildfires as a major threat to the endangered species. Her initiative has led to the prevention of serious wildfires in the 24,700-acre Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary.

Education has been at the heart of her campaign, informing locals about the importance of bats in the ecosystem. Engaging in conversations about bats’ ecological roles has shifted perceptions, particularly among children, helping to dispel myths that associate bats with witchcraft.

Tanshi explained, We don’t shy away from those conversations. Bats contribute to our ecosystem by dispersing seeds and pollinating plants, making their conservation essential.

Winning the Goldman Environmental Prize is a significant recognition for Tanshi, marking her as one of six female winners this year. She remarked, It’s an incredible honour that signals my work’s relevance on a global scale.\