The short-tailed roundleaf bat (Hipposideros curtus), a species previously feared extinct for decades, has been confirmed as surviving in Nigeria’s Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary. Biologist Iroro Tanshi rediscovered the population in 2016, leading to ongoing conservation efforts to protect the bats from habitat loss, hunting, and wildfires in the Cross River rainforest.
How was the short-tailed roundleaf bat rediscovered?
Iroro Tanshi, a biologist and postdoctoral fellow, identified the species during a 2016 field expedition while conducting PhD research. According to Tanshi, her team was trapping bats near a roost when they captured a “big-eared” specimen that did not match common local species. Upon consulting identification guides, she confirmed the creature was Hipposideros curtus, a bat that had not been documented in the wild since the 1970s.
Following this initial encounter, Tanshi and her team of local assistants utilized harp traps and mist nets to survey cave networks within the Afi sanctuary and the adjacent Cross River National Park. They successfully identified 15 additional individuals, confirming the existence of the only known active colony of the species.
The short-tailed roundleaf bat is incredibly light, weighing approximately the same as a level teaspoon of salt. Its large, folded nose is a specialized adaptation that allows it to navigate dense forest interiors through echolocation.
Why are these bats vulnerable to extinction?
The species faces pressure from both environmental degradation and cultural perceptions. Historically, the bats were believed to exist only in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, but deforestation and hunting had eliminated all previously documented roosts by the 2010s, according to Tanshi.
Local attitudes toward the species remain a significant hurdle. While communities near the Afi sanctuary often protect large primates out of respect for wildlife, bats are frequently viewed as “bushmeat” or associated with bad omens. Judith Ojong, a resident of the village of Abia, notes that fruit bats are consumed as a standard food source, similar to fish or chicken, and are often sold in bundles for roughly 5,000 naira (£2.70).
How has the Zero Wildfire Campaign impacted conservation?
To mitigate the threat of habitat destruction, Tanshi and colleague Benneth Obitte founded the Small Mammal Conservation Organisation (Smacon) in 2016. The organization launched the “Zero Wildfire Campaign” to address the risk posed by uncontrolled agricultural burning, which often spreads into bat habitats.
The campaign introduced color-coded alert systems to guide farmers on safe burning practices. Additionally, Tanshi established a volunteer group known as “Forest Guardians” to monitor fires and provide emergency responses. According to Tanshi, these interventions have led to a significant decrease in wildfire incidents within the forest area over the past five years.
When conducting field research on light-sensitive species like H. curtus, researchers use low-intensity red light to minimize disruption to the bats’ behavior, as they are highly sensitive to standard white light and noise.
Recognition and future outlook
Tanshi’s work has gained international attention for its impact on biodiversity. In April, she was one of six recipients of the Goldman Environmental Prize. She has also been recognized as a National Geographic explorer and a recipient of the Whitley Award. Despite these accolades, Tanshi emphasizes that the primary goal remains protecting the hidden diversity of Nigeria’s rainforests, which she describes as a “beautiful place that nobody goes to.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the short-tailed roundleaf bat found anywhere else?
Currently, the colony identified by Iroro Tanshi in the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary is the only confirmed population of the species in the wild.
What does the short-tailed roundleaf bat eat?
While specific dietary studies are ongoing, the species belongs to a group of bats that typically navigate using echolocation to hunt small insects in dense forest environments.
Are bats considered a protected species in Nigeria?
While protected areas exist, enforcement varies. Tanshi notes that while primates are often protected by local customs, smaller animals like bats remain vulnerable to hunting and cultural misconceptions.
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