The rediscovery of the critically endangered short-tailed roundleaf bat in Nigeria has sent shockwaves through the conservation community. A species long thought to be extinct, its reappearance offers a glimmer of hope for this diminutive creature, which weighs roughly the same as a level teaspoon of salt. This tiny bat's unique appearance and reliance on echolocation make it a fascinating – yet fragile – find.
Nigerian biologist Iroro Tanshi made the groundbreaking discovery in 2016 while conducting fieldwork at the Afi mountain wildlife sanctuary, a protected area within the Cross River rainforest in south-east Nigeria. Tanshi's moment of truth came when she consulted her identification guide and confirmed that the bat she had caught was indeed the elusive short-tailed roundleaf bat (Hipposideros curtus), a species last officially documented in the 1970s.
Tanshi's team then embarked on an exhaustive survey of cave networks within the Afi sanctuary and adjacent Cross River national park, leading to the discovery of 15 more bats of this critically endangered species. This remarkable find has secured the Afi sanctuary as the only confirmed active roosting colony for this bat.
Historically, the short-tailed roundleaf bat was thought to be confined to specific forest caves in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. However, by the 2010s, all previously documented roosts had been destroyed due to human activities such as deforestation and hunting. Tanshi's rediscovery is crucial, representing the sole known surviving population of this endangered species.
Despite its protected status, conservation efforts often focus on more charismatic animals like primates, leaving bats vulnerable to threats such as hunting for food in some Nigerian communities. Negative cultural associations – including a perceived link to witchcraft and bad omens – exacerbate these issues, contributing to the ongoing decline of bat populations.
In response, Tanshi co-founded the Small Mammal Conservation Organisation (Smacon) with fellow bat specialist Benneth Obitte in 2016. The organisation champions the protection of bats and other small creatures through initiatives like the Zero Wildfire Campaign, which combats destructive blazes threatening bat habitats. By promoting safe bush burning practices among farmers, this campaign aims to safeguard the future of these fragile creatures.
As the world watches Tanshi's team make a valiant effort to protect this remarkable species, British researchers and policymakers may draw parallels with their own conservation efforts at home. With many UK-based NGOs working tirelessly to combat wildlife decline, the story of the short-tailed roundleaf bat serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for international cooperation in protecting our planet's precious biodiversity.