Nigerian scientist wins global prize for Conservation of Bats

A Nigerian conservation scientist has won the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize after turning a personal encounter with a wildfire into a campaign to protect endangered bats, according to BBC News.

The scientist, Iroro Tanshi, said her work was shaped by a direct experience with wildfires that threatened the short-tailed roundleaf bat in Cross River state, Nigeria. The incident pushed her to act quickly to safeguard the animals and their habitat.

Tanshi had recently identified a population of the endangered bats which were thought to be extinct for 45 years when wildfires began to pose an immediate risk to their survival. Drawing from what she described as her “personal experience” with the fires, she launched a community-focused effort to reduce wildfire outbreaks and protect the caves and forests where the bats live.

Her campaign centres on working with local communities to prevent human-caused fires, a major threat to wildlife habitats in parts of Nigeria. Conservationists say such fires are often linked to land clearing and hunting practices.

The Goldman Environmental Prize, established in 1989, recognises grassroots environmental activists from around the world. Tanshi is among six global winners this year, highlighting growing international attention to local conservation efforts.

Tanshi is known for her research on bat species in West Africa, including the rediscovery of species not seen for decades. Her work combines scientific field research with community engagement to protect biodiversity and reduce environmental risks.

Environmental experts say her approach reflects a broader shift toward locally driven conservation, where scientists work closely with communities to address threats such as wildfires and habitat loss.