Home / Environment / Nigerian Conservationist Honored for Bat Discovery
Nigerian Conservationist Honored for Bat Discovery
4 May
Summary
- She discovered a rare bat species in Nigeria's rainforest.
- She launched a campaign to prevent devastating wildfires.
- Her work protects endangered bats and local livelihoods.
Conservation ecologist Iroro Tanshi received the Goldman Environmental Prize for her significant contributions to environmental protection in Nigeria. Ten years ago, Tanshi discovered the short-tailed roundleaf bat, a species previously unconfirmed in Nigeria, within the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary. This discovery highlighted the vulnerability of numerous species in the region, many of which are endangered.
Following a devastating wildfire in 2016 that destroyed half the sanctuary, Tanshi co-founded SMACON and initiated the Zero Wildfire Campaign in 2017. This program partners with five communities to implement wildfire prevention strategies, utilizing weather monitoring and community-led forest guardians. This initiative has successfully prevented numerous potential blazes.
Tanshi's work not only aims to protect endangered species like bats but also secures the livelihoods of local populations. Her efforts have led to discussions about expanding these wildfire prevention programs to other countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, and Madagascar, demonstrating a global impact.
