Tag: nigerianscience

Nigerian Scientist Wins Global Recognition for Bat Conservation Efforts Wildfires Spark a Conservation Mission Nigerian ecologist Iroro Tanshi began her conservation work after witnessing the impact of wildfires in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary in south eastern Nigeria. During her field research, she discovered the short tailed roundleaf bat, a species not widely seen for nearly 50 years. Shortly after this discovery, she observed that uncontrolled fires were putting the species at serious risk. Instead of focusing only on research, she shifted her attention to protecting both the bats and their habitat. She identified human caused wildfires as one of the main threats to survival in the region. Community Led Fire Prevention Strategy To address the issue, Tanshi worked closely with local communities living around the sanctuary. She helped establish community fire brigades that actively monitor and prevent wildfires. Between 2022 and May 2025, these efforts stopped major fire outbreaks across a large protected area of 24700 acres. Her approach linked conservation with everyday community challenges. By addressing fire risks that directly affected local livelihoods, she built trust and participation among residents. Changing Beliefs About Bats In many parts of Nigeria, bats are often linked to superstition and witchcraft, which leads to fear and misunderstanding. Tanshi and her team worked to change these beliefs through education campaigns. They used different forms of communication, especially outreach programs for children, to explain the ecological importance of bats. She emphasized that bats play a key role in ecosystems by dispersing seeds and supporting plant growth. She also highlighted how everyday products rely on bats. For example, she explained that shea butter production benefits from bat driven seed dispersal. Global Recognition for Environmental Impact Her work earned her the Goldman Environmental Prize, a major international award recognizing grassroots environmental leadership. The award highlights her success in combining science, education, and community engagement to protect endangered wildlife. Tanshi currently works as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington, where she continues her focus on bat conservation.
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Nigerian Scientist Wins Global Recognition for Bat Conservation Efforts

Wildfires Spark a Conservation Mission Nigerian ecologist Iroro Tanshi began her conservation…

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