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Iroro Tanshi and Mauricio Hoyos Padilla Named 2026 National Geographic/Buffett Award Recipients for Global Conservation Leadership
Leading experts on imperiled bats and sharks are honored for their extraordinary efforts to advance species conservation in Nigeria and Mexico
WASHINGTON D.C. (May 27, 2026) – Today, the National Geographic Society announced Iroro Tanshi and Mauricio Hoyos Padilla as the 2026 recipients of the National Geographic/Buffett Awards for Leadership in Conservation for their outstanding dedication to protecting endangered wildlife, restoring critical habitats and inspiring public action to defend at-risk species.
Established in partnership with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, these awards recognize two changemakers working in Africa and Latin America who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to protecting biodiversity in their regions, serve as role models and mentors to aspiring conservationists, and foster environmental stewardship in their communities and around the world.
Tanshi, a Nigerian conservation ecologist, is leading efforts to protect threatened bat species and small mammals across West Africa. Hoyos Padilla, a Mexican marine biologist, has spent three decades advancing shark research and conservation across the eastern Pacific Ocean. Tanshi and Hoyos Padilla are not only leading groundbreaking research to strengthen conservation efforts across West Africa and the eastern Pacific Ocean, but also mobilizing communities to implement evidence-based solutions that will reverse these species’ decline.
“Because of Iroro and Mauricio’s decades of courageous leadership, the world’s most biodiverse regions and vulnerable wildlife are more resilient for generations to come,” said Ian Miller, the Society’s chief science and innovation officer. “Their heroic fieldwork is a testament to the power of curiosity and collaboration to illuminate new paths forward for conservation, despite the global challenges we face.”
By investing in and amplifying the leadership of changemakers like Tanshi and Hoyos Padilla, who are advancing knowledge and elevating bold conservation programs across the globe, the Society underscores its commitment to supporting Explorers who are illuminating and protecting the wonder of our world.
Iroro Tanshi
Iroro Tanshi is a leading Nigerian conservation ecologist whose boundless curiosity about the natural world has fueled her passion for protecting Afrotropical bats and small mammals. She is credited with rediscovering the short-tailed roundleaf bat after a 45-year absence and establishing Nigeria’s first national bat database to anchor future research. As co-founder of the Small Mammal Conservation Organization (SMACON), Tanshi combines rigorous research, community engagement and habitat protection to safeguard endangered bat populations from escalating threats, such as wildfires, habitat loss and cave disturbances.
Tanshi has also dedicated her career to creating sustainable conservation interventions in Nigeria, a country where bat conservation has historically lacked research and resources. Over the last decade, she increased research capacity in Nigeria by mentoring local scientists and conservationists and partnering with local communities to establish long-term conservation strategies. These include the Zero Wildfire Campaign, which empowers local farming communities to prevent dry-season fires at critical roost sites.
Tanshi has recently scaled this fire management program by launching the Tropical Fire Alliance in tropical countries. In doing so, she is taking bold action to return tropical forests to carbon sinks rather than sources.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition and hope it inspires greater support and capacity for species conservation across West Africa. The more we champion evidence-based, community-led solutions in our fieldwork, the closer we are to achieving a sustainable future for humans and mammals alike,” said Tanshi. “Bats, in particular, play an essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, from pollination to pest control. By safeguarding this threatened species, we can preserve the rich biodiversity that sustains our livelihoods and the health of our planet.”
Mauricio Hoyos Padilla
Mauricio Hoyos Padilla is a Mexican marine biologist whose three decades of groundbreaking research on shark ecology and behavior have fundamentally reshaped marine conservation across Latin America. As the co-founder of Pelagios Kakunjá and chief scientist of Fins Attached, he has spearheaded critical tagging expeditions across the eastern Pacific Ocean and pioneered research on shark behavior in Mexican waters, including the discovery of deep-water hunting behaviors previously unknown to science. Hoyos Padilla has shared his discoveries in over 104 scientific publications, several management manuals for marine protected areas and a comprehensive book on great white sharks, all of which have significantly advanced our global understanding of these apex predators.
Beyond his scientific findings, Hoyos Padilla’s lifelong curiosity about sharks has helped transform public perception of these aquatic creatures and galvanize global conservation efforts. A prolific communicator, he has become one of Latin America's most influential ocean advocates, delivering over 300 lectures and appearing in international documentaries for outlets including National Geographic. He also works with policymakers to shape marine conservation policy and Mexico’s national conservation agenda. Hoyos Padilla was instrumental in developing and sustaining Mexico's Program of Action for the Conservation of the White Shark, as well as in the decree establishing Revillagigedo National Park, the biggest marine protected area in North America. He also worked with the local scallop fishing community in the Upper Gulf of California, conducting workshops to prevent negative interactions with white sharks and helping to save the lives of several fishermen.
Hoyos Padilla’s unwavering dedication to shark conservation was poignantly underscored in September 2025, when he survived a life-threatening encounter during a scientific dive. The incident demonstrated the physical risks he endures to safeguard these apex predators and advance ocean conservation efforts.
“It is an immense privilege to have dedicated 30 years to studying the ocean's greatest inhabitants alongside my team. This award brings much-needed awareness to the fundamental role sharks play in sustaining marine ecosystems, and awareness is the catalyst for decisive action,” said Hoyos Padilla. “Bridging science and education can transform our perception of this species and amplify what we’ve long known — their protection is essential to maintaining the ocean’s balance and vitality for future generations.”
Tanshi and Hoyos Padilla will receive these awards at the annual National Geographic Explorers Festival, which is hosted in collaboration with the Society’s longtime partner, Rolex.
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About The National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content.
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