Science Friday Raising A New Generation Of Bat Conservationists In West Africa
Sep 22, 2025
Dr. Iroro Tanshi, an ecologist from the University of Washington, and Dr. Benneth Obitte, a conservation ecologist at Texas Tech University, share insights into bat conservation in Nigeria. They highlight the rich biodiversity of 100 bat species in the country, the threats these creatures face, and their pioneering efforts to train a new generation of conservationists. Their community engagement strategies aim to showcase the value of bats, fostering local support while addressing critical environmental challenges.
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Bats Rekindled A Career In Field Biology
- Iroro Tanshi found bats rekindled her passion for hands-on, adventurous biology research.
- Studying bats let her pursue fieldwork in caves and canopies and commit to a long-term research engine.
Field Trip Sparked A Career Change
- Benneth switched from hydrobiology after joining Iroro on a bat field trip and catching a cuddly cyclops roundleaf bat.
- The cute, teddy-bear–like bat convinced him he wanted to keep doing bat research.
Nigeria Is A Bat Diversity Hotspot
- Nigeria sits at a biogeographic transition zone, making it a hotspot for bat diversity.
- This mix influences ecology and disease dynamics, so Nigeria is critical for African bat research.