An exhibit featuring bats has opened at the Taipei City Zoo as part of the government's efforts to promote science education in Taiwan. A scientist at the zoo said Wednesday that studying bats' behavior can lead to many useful scientific applications.

"How can bats fly in the dark? How can they turn around easily in the air? Their [behavior] displays many scientific principles such as supersonics, radar and sonar. Their behavior has a wide-ranging influence and a profound impact but I think the public remains largely in the dark about this," said the sientist.

It is estimated that bats account for 40% of Taiwan's mammals. And there are as many as 30 different species. The exhibit also features specimens of blood-sucking vampire bats.