Our Living Campus
> IN THIS SECTION
Welcome to "Our Living Campus," a vibrant tapestry of natural wonders that encapsulates the essence of our educational environment. Here, amidst the academic hustle, thrives a serene sanctuary where majestic trees stand tall, offering shade and solace, and a diverse array of bird species add melody and colour to our days.
This page is dedicated to exploring and celebrating the rich biodiversity that graces our campus, inviting you to delve into the fascinating world of our arboreal guardians and feathered friends. Join us on this journey to discover the intricate connections between flora and fauna that make our campus uniquely alive.
Trees
Phoenix Tree
ต้นหางนกยูง
Scientific Name:
Delonix regia
The Phoenix Tree originates from the dry deciduous forests of Madagascar but has since been introduced to tropical and subtropical regions around the globe.
Cashew Tree
ต้นมะม่วงหิมพานต์
Scientific Name:
Anacardium occidentale
Originating from northeastern Brazil, this species was distributed worldwide in the 1500s by Portuguese explorers.
Rose Apple Tree
ต้นชมพู่
Scientific Name:
Syzygium samarangense
The Rose Apple Tree, native to Southeast Asia, was introduced to a wider area in prehistoric times and is now widely cultivated in the tropics.
Coconut Palm Tree
ต้นมะพร้าว
Scientific Name:
Cocos nucifera
Coconut palms, widely believed to be native to the Indo-Malay region, are now found in all tropical regions worldwide, including the coastal areas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Ivory Coast Almond
ต้นหูกระจง
Scientific Name:
Terminalia ivorensis
Terminalia ivorensis, commonly known as Black Afara or Ivory Coast Almond, is native to the tropical regions of West Africa.
Longan Tree
ต้นลำไย
Scientific Name:
Dimocarpus longan
The Longan, a tropical tree species, is commonly found throughout much of Asia, particularly in mainland China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Rain Tree
ต้นจามจุรี
Scientific Name:
Samanea saman
This flowering tree species, from the Fabaceae family, is native to Central and South America but has been widely introduced throughout the tropics, particularly in South and Southeast Asia.
Tree Jasmine
ต้นปีบ
Scientific Name:
Millingtonia hortensis
Tree Jasmine is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, valued for its fragrant flowers that resemble those of jasmine.
Moringa Tree
ต้นมะรุม
Scientific Name:
Moringa oleifera
The Moringa Tree, a fast-growing and drought-resistant member of the Moringaceae family, is native to the Indian subcontinent and is extensively used in South and Southeast Asia.
Mango Tree
ต้นมะม่วง
Scientific Name:
Mangifera indica
Originating in South Asia, the Mango Tree has since spread to Southeast Asia, East Africa, West Africa, and other tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Yellow Trumpet-Flower
ต้นทองอุไร
Scientific Name:
Tecoma stans
The Yellow Trumpet-Flower, native to the Americas, has been widely introduced and naturalised in various regions worldwide.
Plants
White ipê
Scientific Name:
Tabebuia roseo-alba
It is always a blessing for the community members to walk on the grass field scattered with beautiful white ipê flowers. The flower petals have a unique paper-like texture that seems creased and wrinkled. Ipês originated in Brazil and is regarded as the national flower by Brazilians; for Brazilians, ipês represent resilience, strength, and being able to spot the beauty of dilemmas.
Interesting Fact:
They have a stunning display of white flowers which blanket the tree’s branches in a breathtaking spectacle during the blooming season.
Orchid
Scientific Name:
Orchidaceae
Orchids, magnificent and unique blooming plants, enchant with their complex and colourful flowers. Known for their magnificence, these floral beauties flourish in a variety of temperatures across the world. Orchids have long been revered in numerous communities as symbols of love, beauty, and elegance. Their fascination goes beyond aesthetics; they also contribute to traditional medicine, fragrance, and horticulture.
Interesting Fact:
They have a remarkable diversity, with over 25,000 documented species found in every habitat throughout the world except for deserts and glaciers.
Yellow Bells
Scientific Name:
Tecoma stans
Originating in the southern Americas, Yellow Bells are also enjoying their life with full sunshine exposure in Thailand and are highly resilient to human disturbance. Their trumpet-like shape also earned them the name of “trumpet bush”. Interesting fact: Yellow Bells could also be used as medicine: in Veracruz, its flower and bark are decocted to cure stomach pain!
Interesting Fact:
Notorious for their clever nesting strategies, often laying their eggs in the nests of other bird species which trick the host birds into raising their chicks.
Garden Croton
Scientific Name:
Codiaeum variegatum
Introducing these gorgeous evergreen shrubs, Garden Croton whose leaves are variegated in shades of green, white, pink, orange, red, yellow, or purple. Its radiant colours and pest-resistance make it a quality choice for gardening. But beware! Its sap is poisonous for humans so refrain from touching them!
Interesting Fact:
In Chinese Fengshui culture, it is deemed to be able to bring good luck and prosperity to people.
Birds
Common myna
Scientific Name:
Acridotheres tristis
Common mynas are friendly, gregarious songbirds that love to showcase their beautiful voices. They love to nestle in open areas with little tree cover. As carnivorous omnivores (birds that eat plants and other animals but prefer animals), their diet ranges from mangos to grasshoppers. These guys with their signatory yellow bill and skin behind the eye are one of the most common bird species here in Phuket.
Interesting Fact:
They are monogamous and are believed to be paired for life.
Pacific Reef-Heron
Scientific Name:
Egretta sacra
As a species that digs an ocean-based diet of fish, crustaceans (e.g., shrimps and crabs), and molluscs (e.g., clams and squids), Pacific Reef-Heron, thrive in the beautiful island of Phuket. With wingspan of 90 to 110 cm, these medium-sized birds have two morphs: white and dark grey (not related to its gender).
Interesting Fact:
They have a remarkable hunting technique known as ‘canopy feeding”.
Greater Coucal
Scientific Name:
Centropus Sinensis
This cuckoo species, measuring 48 cm, features a black head, purple gloss on the underside, chestnut brown back and wings, and ruby red eyes. Juveniles have duller black plumage with crown spots and whitish bars on the underside and tail. Geographic variations exist, with some populations treated as separate species. Plumage differences exist among races, with the southern Indian race having a black head and blue gloss on the underparts. Males and females are similar, with females slightly larger.
Interesting Fact:
They have a unique breeding behaviour. Unlike many bird species, where both parents contribute to building the nest and raising the young, for Greater Coucals, it is primarily the male’s responsibility.
Rock Dove
Scientific Name:
Columbia Livia
The rock dove, scientifically known as Columba livia, is a common bird species found worldwide, often seen in urban environments. It has a plump body, short legs, and a small head with a distinctive iridescent patch on its neck. Its plumage varies widely, ranging from shades of grey to white, with darker markings on its wings. Known for its adaptability and gregarious nature, the rock dove forms large flocks and is often found roosting on buildings and cliffs. Despite its wild origins, it is the ancestor of the domestic pigeon, with which it shares many characteristics.
Interesting Fact:
They are the wild ancestor of domestic pigeons.
Snakes
Monocled Cobra
Scientific Name:
Naja kaouthia
The Monocled Cobra, native to Southeast Asia, is a venomous serpent known for its iconic hood and distinctive eye-like patterns. Displaying a potential threat, it's essential to exercise caution in their presence.
Interesting Fact:
They have a distinctive hood, which makes a circular marking on the back of its hood resembling a monocle, hence its name.
Green Viper
Scientific Name:
Trimeresurus albolabris
The Green Viper, a venomous arboreal species, thrives in the lush rainforests of Asia. Recognisable by its vibrant green hues, it demands caution due to potent venom.
Interesting Fact:
Known for its vibrant colouration and arboreal lifestyle. They are expert climbers and are often found coiled on branches and camouflaged in the trees.
Sunbeam Snakes
Scientific Name:
Xenopeltis
The Sunbeam Snake, dwelling in Southeast Asia, is a non-venomous species appreciated for its iridescent appearance. Handling may result in the release of a pungent odour, showcasing the snake's unique defence mechanism.
Interesting Fact:
They have a mesmerising rainbow-like appearance when they are exposed to light.
The Redneck Keelback
Scientific Name:
Rhabdophis subminiatus
The Redneck Keelback, native to Southeast Asia, boasts vibrant colours, with a distinctive red or orange neck. Its slender body and smooth scales contribute to its striking appearance.
Interesting Fact:
They have an unusual defensive strategy of playing dead when threatened. When cornered or attacked, they will often flip onto their back and expose their bright red or orange underside and remain motionless, resembling a dead snake.
Other Animals
Common House Gecko
Scientific Name:
Hemidactylus Frenatus
The Common House Gecko is a thin lizard with a triangular head, big eyes, and clawed toes. It often appears grey or light brown and adapts well to urban areas. It's a non-aggressive species that feeds mostly arthropods and is known to escape danger. With the capacity to regenerate tails and characteristic chirping, these geckos reproduce in the warmer months, beginning about 6 months old, demonstrating exceptional flexibility and communication abilities.
Interesting Fact:
They have remarkable adhesive toe pads covered in microscopic hairs called setae which allows them to effortlessly climb walls and walk across ceilings with ease.
Grey-bellied squirrel
Scientific Name:
Callosciurus Caniceps
The Grey-Bellied Squirrel, is a captivating arboreal mammal found in Southeast Asia. Recognised by its sleek, greyish-brown fur and a distinctive pale belly, it gracefully navigates treetops. Its agile movements and bushy tail contribute to its arboreal lifestyle. In various Southeast Asian cultures, these squirrels are woven into folklore, symbolising resilience and adaptability in the region's diverse ecosystems.
Interesting Fact:
Known for their incredible agility and acrobatic skills.
Great Eggfly
Scientific Name:
Hypolimnas bolina
People exclaim at the beauty of male great eggflies: they are black and have some patches (“eggs”) of high saturation blue, white, or orange on them. The females are of brownish colours with shades or patterns of white and blue. What’s even more intriguing is that these beautiful creatures have some disturbing diets: some prefer human sweat (most of them are scavengers who enjoy decaying flesh).
Interesting Fact:
They have vibrant colours and intricate patterns on their wings.
Mantis
Scientific Name:
Mantodea
The mantis, also known as a praying mantis, is a fascinating insect known for its distinctive appearance and predatory behaviour. With its long, slender body and triangular head, the mantis has evolved to resemble a leaf or twig, providing effective camouflage in its natural habitat. It is named for its characteristic "praying" posture, where it holds its forelegs together as if in prayer. These agile hunters use their powerful forelegs to grasp and immobilise prey, often insects much larger than themselves. With keen eyesight and lightning-fast reflexes, mantises are skilled predators capable of capturing prey with remarkable precision.
Interesting Fact:
Their two front legs create an appearance of prayer-like posture.