Merlin Tuttle´s Bat Conservation (MTBC)

About us

Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation (MTBC), founded in 2014, is the most recent contribution by Merlin Tuttle to the world of bats. With over 60 years of in-depth knowledge and experience Merlin Tuttle, renowned bat expert, educator and wildlife photographer founded MTBC with one true goal in mind; teaching the world to understand and appreciate the vital contributions bats make to human beings and the world we live in.
No group of mammals has been more misunderstood, needlessly feared or intensely persecuted. Relying on a powerful combination of science, field knowledge and photography, MTBC is helping save millions of bats, protecting public health, economies and worldwide ecosystems by teaching people to live harmoniously with bats.

Our mission: Inspiring bat conservation worldwide.

Our work
We provide clear, science-based explanations to dispel fear and help people benefit from conserving bats. Once people understand the value of bats most voluntarily become enthusiastic protectors.

Our goal is to win friends not battles.

Projects:
• Bat Scan Project: The entire digitized Merlin Tuttle Bat Collection is bequeathed permanently to MTBC, with specified conditions for management and for succession if needed. The plan is for MTBC, led by Dr. Tuttle, to develop an endowed bat education center in Austin where his unsurpassed bat documentation can provide a firm foundation for exemplary education while documenting the many benefits of living in harmony with nature, even with traditionally feared bats.
• Member Workshops: The participants enthusiastically improved their bat handling, photography, and conservation skills while providing the first major survey of the reserve’s bats and greatly aiding local staff in their knowledge of bats. We hope to provide these hands-on opportunities annually for our members while expanding knowledge of bats and their unique conservation requirements at locations of special need worldwide.
• Major Bat Book Publication: Using 373 of Merlin’s bat photos a new 400-page book produced by Quarto Publishing in London titled, “Bats: An Illustrated Guide to all Species” was published in April 2019.
• Ambassadorial Appearances for Bats: Wherever he goes Merlin is a captivating ambassador for bats, normally making a lasting difference in each country visited. He provides media appearances, public lectures, training sessions and much needed conservation advice in addition to photographs essential to public education.
• Book Publication

Teresa M. Nichta is the Operations Manager, Archivist, Digital and Social Media Coordinator at Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation (MTBC).

For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.