Why I love the reptiles you hate | Jessica Hartman | TEDxEustis

Reptiles such as snakes and lizards routinely make the list of the most reviled creatures by humans around the globe. This aversion, often exacerbated by media stereotypes painting these reptiles as vicious creatures, prevents these same people from understanding the benefits of reptiles and complicates the work of conservationists to preserve habitat, protect species, and study these creatures. Reptile enrichment specialist Jessica Hartman, makes the case that reptiles are vitally important to the ecosystem and imagines a world where the important study of these vertebrates leads to advances in cancer treatment, coronavirus research, search and rescue, and more. A native of central Florida, Jessica spent her formative years fascinated by the state’s bountiful variety of reptiles and amphibians. Today, she is an entrepreneur turned passionate conservationist with a mission of bringing people closer to wildlife. Her focus is educating youth on some of the world’s most misunderstood and detested species. Jessica founded a regional reptile outreach and educational program where she frequents local schools and learning centers to bring attention to problems such as habitat destruction, pollution, and human-wildlife conflicts. She started a local Reptile Youth Alliance with a goal to spread awareness about these issues and support local conservation efforts. Currently working with the National trust of the Cayman Islands Blue Iguana Conservation and Breeding Facility, Jessica intends to bring a group of volunteers to the island in 2021 to participate in the preservation efforts of a group of endangered cyclura iguanas. 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