Stairway to Nature: HKUST's Murals Highlight Campus Wildlife

Have you noticed the stunning Biodiversity Stairwell Murals on campus? This innovative project features vibrant artwork depicting native species along the staircase walls from the 2nd to the 4th floor of lifts 31-32. By showcasing the rich biodiversity present right here at HKUST, the initiative aims to inspire awareness and appreciation of local wildlife among both students and staff. 

The mural project highlights several fascinating species that call HKUST home. Among them is the striking Red-billed Blue Magpie (Urocissa erythroryncha), renowned for its vivid blue plumage and long tail, which adds a splash of color and movement to the stairwell. The delicate Pale Grass Blue butterfly (Pseudozizeeria maha) is also featured, reminding us of the smaller yet vital pollinators in our ecosystem. Additionally, the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) is illustrated as a symbol of the larger mammals that contribute to the campus’s balanced natural environment. 

In addition to terrestrial wildlife, the initiative showcases the Hong Kong Butterflyfish and Staghorn Coral, representing the vibrant marine life and ecosystem beneath the beautiful Port Shelter that our campus community enjoys every day. The murals also celebrate local plant life, such as the Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl), valued for its fragrant leaves and ecological significance. 

Together, these images deepen our understanding of biodiversity and strengthen the connection between our campus community and the natural world around us. 

Beyond celebrating biodiversity, this initiative promotes a healthier lifestyle by encouraging students and staff to choose the stairs over the elevator. Walking not only reduces energy consumption but also enhances well-being. We hope the colorful presence of these species will transform every stair climb into a small discovery and a meaningful step toward sustainability at HKUST. 

Mural Artist: &dear