The Rediscovery of the Endangered Short-Tailed Roundleaf Bat

The Rediscovery

Iroro Tanshi, a Nigerian biologist, made a groundbreaking discovery in 2016 while conducting field research for her PhD. She stumbled upon the short-tailed roundleaf bat, a species believed to have been extinct since the 1970s. The bat was found in the Afi mountain wildlife sanctuary in south-east Nigeria.

The Elusive Bat

The short-tailed roundleaf bat weighs about the same as a level teaspoonful of salt and has a unique appearance, with relatively small eyes and a large, intricately folded nose. It uses echolocation to navigate in total darkness and is extremely sensitive to noise and bright lights.

Conservation Efforts

Tanshi's discovery sparked conservation efforts to protect the bat and its habitat. She founded the Small Mammal Conservation Organisation (Smacon) to champion bats, rodents, and other small creatures. The organization launched the Zero Wildfire Campaign to combat destructive blazes that pose a threat to bats. Tanshi also formed a group called Forest Guardians to supervise farmers during burning and provide a swift response in the event of an outbreak.

The Impact of Human Activities

Human activities such as deforestation and hunting have contributed to the decline of the short-tailed roundleaf bat. The species was previously found in specific forest caves in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, but all documented roosts were erased by the 2010s. Tanshi's discovery highlights the importance of protecting biodiversity and the need for conservation efforts to preserve endangered species.

The Future of Conservation

Tanshi's work has shown that even in the face of extinction, conservation efforts can make a difference. The rediscovery of the short-tailed roundleaf bat serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural world and the need for continued conservation efforts to protect endangered species.