What you didn't know about bats | Merlin Tuttle | TEDxUTAustin

Like bats or not, we need them! And we bet you will like them after learning what Merlin has to share about these mysterious but invaluable animals. Merlin Tuttle is an ecologist, wildlife photographer, and conservationist renowned for over 60 years of work studying and preserving bats. His efforts have made Austin a global leader in demonstrating bats as valuable and safe neighbors, with his birthday, August 26th, declared Merlin Tuttle Day by Mayor Steve Adler. He founded Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation in 2014. Previously, he led Bat Conservation International for nearly 30 years before leaving in 2009. MTBC offers the world’s finest bat photo gallery and up-to-date responses to exaggerated disease concerns about bats. At age 82, Tuttle remains dedicated to educating the public about the vital roles of bats. His work has been featured at Harvard University, the British Museum, and in major publications such as the Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, and National Geographic. His global efforts span from Brunei and Bulgaria to Brazil, Chile, and beyond. For more information and to support his work, visit MerlinTuttle.org. #Halloween #BatWeek This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx