Dr. Iroro Tanshi is an award-winning Nigerian conservation biologist, bat ecologist, and founder of the Small Mammal Conservation Organisation (SMACON). She is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work in the field of biodiversity conservation, particularly for her efforts to protect endangered bat species and critical forest habitats in Nigeria’s Cross River region.

With a PhD in Conservation Biology, Dr. Tanshi combines rigorous scientific research with grassroots conservation efforts to safeguard some of West Africa’s most threatened species. She made headlines in the conservation world for leading the rediscovery of the short-tailed roundleaf bat (Hipposideros curtus), a species that had not been recorded for over four decades and was previously believed to be extinct. This discovery not only sparked global interest but also reaffirmed the importance of Nigeria’s tropical forests as biodiversity hotspots.

Through SMACON, Dr. Tanshi has implemented innovative strategies for conserving small mammals—particularly bats—while engaging local communities in habitat protection, education, and sustainable livelihood development. Her approach is deeply community-oriented, recognizing that effective conservation requires building trust, fostering local stewardship, and aligning conservation goals with community well-being.

She has collaborated with major conservation organizations, including Bat Conservation International (BCI), and contributed to global species assessments and ecosystem management planning. Dr. Tanshi also serves as a mentor to young African scientists, particularly women in conservation, and is passionate about nurturing the next generation of biodiversity professionals in the Global South.

Her contributions have been widely recognized. In 2021, she received the Whitley Award, often referred to as the “Green Oscars,” for her innovative and impactful conservation leadership. She is also a member of several international scientific and conservation bodies, contributing to global dialogue on ecosystem preservation and endangered species management.

In addition to her fieldwork, Dr. Tanshi is a skilled communicator, frequently sharing her research and insights at international conferences, university platforms, and science-policy forums. Her work underscores the critical role of science-based, locally driven conservation in addressing biodiversity loss and climate change.

As one of Africa’s leading bat ecologists and a trailblazer in mammal conservation, Dr. Iroro Tanshi exemplifies how passion, science, and community can come together to protect some of the world’s most vulnerable species and ecosystems.