The Rediscovery of the 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 that was believed to be extinct. The bat was last recorded in the wild in the 1970s.

The Elusive Bat

The short-tailed roundleaf bat weighs about the same as a level teaspoonful of salt. It has relatively small eyes and a large intricately folded nose, which helps it navigate total darkness through echolocation. The bat is extraordinarily sensitive to noise and bright lights.

Conservation Efforts

Tanshi and her team have been working tirelessly to conserve the species and protect its habitat. They have set up harp traps and mist nets to track the bat's population and have found 15 more individuals. However, the species is still threatened by human activities such as deforestation and hunting.

Cultural Perception and Conservation Challenges

Bats have been burdened by negative stereotypes, commonly linked to witchcraft and bad omens. In some Nigerian communities, bats are treated as food, and Tanshi's team is working to change this perception. The Small Mammal Conservation Organisation (Smacon), founded by Tanshi and Benneth Obitte, is championing bats, rodents, and other little creatures.

The Future Outlook

Tanshi's discovery has sparked efforts to protect the bat's habitat and prevent its extinction. The Zero Wildfire Campaign, launched by Smacon, aims to combat destructive blazes that pose a threat to bats. With continued conservation efforts, there is hope for the survival of the short-tailed roundleaf bat.