A Rare White Blackbuck at IIT Madras Sparks Joy—And Concern Over Inbreeding and Isolation
A tranquil morning on the lush campus of IIT Madras turned unexpectedly viral when a video captured a stunning herd of blackbucks racing gracefully across the Manohar C Watsa Stadium.
Posted by the institute’s official X handle, the clip was intended to showcase the campus’s harmonious coexistence between cutting-edge academia and thriving wildlife. But it ended up sparking a debate far deeper than anticipated.
“Blackbucks and deer take to track—a daily reminder of the Institute’s unique coexistence with nature,” the caption read. And at first glance, the post was met with admiration.
After all, where else in urban India can one find endangered antelopes galloping freely alongside lecture halls and labs?
But it wasn’t long before keen-eyed viewers spotted something highly unusual: a striking white blackbuck—likely an albino—racing alongside its brown-coated companions.
The rare and mesmerizing sight added an element of wonder to the video, but also raised red flags among conservationists and wildlife experts.
Beauty With a Warning
While an albino blackbuck is undeniably beautiful—almost mythical in its presence—its appearance is often a sign of genetic trouble. In small, isolated animal populations, inbreeding can lead to such genetic anomalies.
And that, experts say, could be what’s happening in the 600-acre IIT Madras campus, which lies adjacent to Guindy National Park but remains ecologically cut off from broader blackbuck habitats.
“The white blackbuck might steal the spotlight, but it’s a warning sign in disguise,” noted one wildlife researcher. “Albinism in wildlife, especially in species like blackbucks, is frequently the result of restricted gene pools and lack of fresh genetic material.”
A Dwindling Herd
At one time, the blackbuck population on the campus was estimated to be around 50, but reports now suggest that number has dwindled to fewer than 20. Such a sharp drop not only underscores concerns about habitat fragmentation, but also about genetic stagnation—a slow, silent threat to long-term survival.
Despite being lauded for its green practices—speed limits to prevent roadkill, preservation of corridors, and minimal intrusion into animal territories—IIT Madras now faces a conservation crossroads.
More Than Just Coexistence
Experts argue that coexistence alone is no longer enough. It might be giving a false sense of security. Without genetic mixing with other populations, even a well-protected enclave like IIT Madras could turn into an ecological bubble—safe on the outside, fragile within.
“This blackbuck population is a remnant of a once-flourishing antelope presence along the Coromandel coast,” said one expert. “But without intervention, even this pocket of survival could become a genetic dead end.”
A Path Forward: Reconnecting Wild India
To tackle this, conservationists are now championing the idea of a wildlife corridor—a green link that could connect IIT Madras with Guindy National Park and possibly the Raj Bhavan grounds, enabling blackbucks to move, mingle, and restore genetic diversity by integrating with larger herds.
Such corridors aren’t just pathways; they’re lifelines for species like the blackbuck, which is India’s fastest antelope and once roamed vast grasslands across the country. Now, listed as endangered under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, the blackbuck survives in only a few pockets, of which IIT Madras is one.
A White Reminder
In the end, the white blackbuck is a symbol—both of nature’s marvel and its vulnerability. It’s a reminder that even in spaces where animals are allowed to roam free, freedom must come with foresight. And as India strides forward in technology and innovation, perhaps it is time to ensure that its wild heritage isn’t left behind, but guided, protected, and allowed to thrive.
Because sometimes, a beautiful morning run isn’t just a spectacle—it’s a call to action.
