A TED Talk on bat conservation

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Dr. Merlin Tuttle is Austin's bat expert, and his study of bats and those he has photographed have led to a greater appreciation of the species globally.

KXAN Meteorologist Rich Segal spoke with Tuttle about when he first became interested in bats.

Tuttle said his study of bats became more involved when he was 17 years old.

One of the many messages he wanted to continue spreading was that bats were safe, they provide an ecological benefit, and they do make good neighbors.

Tuttle said some of the benefits bats provide include pest control, plant pollination and seed dispersal. Bats eat enough pests to save more than $1 billion per year in crop damage and pesticide costs in the U.S. corn industry.

During the conversation, Tuttle also provided details about his TED Talk during TEDxUTAustin event. He is expected to speak about the different bat species along with the benefits the bat population provides.

Merlin Tuttle's Bat Conservation has much more information on the bat population and how they positively impact the environment.