Merlin Tuttle

Merlin Tuttle is an internationally recognized leader in bat research, conservation, and photography. His photos and research have been featured in five National Geographic articles, the journal Science, and many other leading publications. Through his organization, Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation (MTBC), Dr. Tuttle provides the world's finest bat photo gallery, the most up-to-date responses to misinformation about bats, and access to his over 60 years of unique expertise. He founded and led Bat Conservation International (BCI) for 30 years, retiring from leadership in 2009. With so many important challenges remaining, and continued demand for his work, he founded MTBC in 2014 where he now remains active. He passionately continues teaching the world to understand and appreciate the vital roles of bats. Since 2014, Dr. Tuttle has lectured and supported conservation efforts in Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Chile, Costa Rica, South Africa, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Vatican. In addition, he currently serves as a Research Fellow in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Texas at Austin and takes more than a thousand new photos annually. His latest books, The Secret Lives of Bats: My Adventures with the World’s Most Misunderstood Mammals and the Smithsonian's Bats: An Illustrated Guide to All Species have received top reviews. If you're not already a friend of bats, you will be after seeing and hearing what Dr. Tuttle has to share about these often misunderstood but invaluable animals! To learn more and support his work, visit MerlinTuttle.org.