Dr. Merlin Tuttle: Recognizing Important Caves for Bats - Sept 4, Mammoth Cave Lodge KY
In September, Bat Conservation and Management is conducting our weeklong annual Bat Capture and Handling Workshop at Mammoth Cave National Park. As part of this larger event, on Friday, September 4 we will have special guest Dr. Merlin Tuttle speaking on importance of caves to bats. Recognizing this unique opportunity, we are opening up this special presentation to the greater bat and resource management community in order to share valuable insight from this legendary bat biologist. This one day event is open to the public, but -all- must register to reserve a seat. Location & time: The Mammoth Cave Lodge conference room at Mammoth Cave National Park - 9AM Central Who is this for? Wildlife students, biologists, citizen scientists, agency biologists, resource managers, organized cavers Need to Know: There is limited seating, all must register. There will be a ~2 hour lecture and discussion with Merlin, and then a short break. Those joining Merlin for the cave tour will reconvene at the Historic Entrance. A small flashlight or headlamp is required (not provided). Small water bottle optional. ~100 steps in and out must be traversed, expect to spend several hours in cave in a group. Cave and mine roosts are absolutely critical to many bat's survival in winter and/or summer. Bat have dwindled in recent years, and/or have been pushed into less desirable roosts. There is a critical need for understanding bat's needs, and it is becoming increasingly important to recognize the difference between an outstanding roost and a sub-par roost. Join us for a rare opportunity to see and hear legendary world-renowned bat biologist Dr. Merlin Tuttle speak on the importance of caves for bats. Merlin will review bat's needs with a focus on case studies and personal observations. After a break there will be an opportunity to view historic bat evidence inside Mammoth Cave off normal public trails. Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation (MTBC) was founded by Dr. Merlin Tuttle. He has studied and photographed bats worldwide for more than 60 years. Merlin’s unique photography and communication first led to global appreciation of bats as safe, invaluable, even cute, and likable. No one has better demonstrated the power of combining captivating photos with sound science to win friends instead of battles for bats. Nor has anyone better demonstrated how conservation can benefit humans. Merlin’s legendary photos and experience provide invaluable guidance and inspiration that must be preserved and shared for future generations. He founded and led Bat Conservation International (BCI) for 30 years, then left BCI in 2009 and founded MTBC. MTBC is now Merlin’s sole source of support, both for his ongoing conservation efforts and for preservation of his priceless photo collection and legacy resources. Merlin's visit is sponsored in part by John and Lori Chenger of Bat Conservation and Management, and also Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park who work in cooperation with the National Park Service to fund projects and programs that protect, preserve, and enhance the natural and cultural resources, and the visitor experience of Mammoth Cave National Park. A small registration fee directly helps offset Merlin & teams travel expenses and reserves your seat for this event. Seats are limited and non-refundable, but can be transferred to another colleague. To reduce barriers for our agency friends, we are waiving the reg fee but everyone still must register as conference room space is limited.
Presentation and Cave Visit, Presentation Only, Cave/Bat Resource Federal/State Agency Representative