CHENNAI, India – In a delightful and widely shared video that has gone viral on social media, a herd of blackbucks and spotted deer were recently spotted gracefully running on the synthetic track of the Manohar C. Watsa Stadium at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras). The video, posted on the institute’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, showcased the unique coexistence of wildlife and academia on the lush campus.

The footage captured a serene morning scene where the animals, including a rare albino blackbuck, took over the athletic track, a sight that is a daily reminder of the campus’s rich biodiversity. The IIT Madras campus is located adjacent to the Guindy National Park and serves as a vital habitat for several species, including a significant population of blackbucks and spotted deer.

While the video was met with widespread admiration from netizens who praised the institute for its green cover and conservation efforts, it also sparked a conversation among wildlife experts. The presence of the albino blackbuck raised concerns about potential inbreeding within the campus's isolated blackbuck population, which is a remnant of a once-thriving wild community. Conservationists have long advocated for a wildlife corridor to connect the campus with nearby protected areas like Guindy National Park to maintain genetic diversity.

The viral moment highlights the ongoing efforts by the institute to protect its resident fauna. The campus has strict speed limits for vehicles to prevent roadkill and has been recognized for its dedication to maintaining a green environment amidst urban expansion. For many, the sight of the animals on the track was a beautiful illustration of nature thriving in an urban setting.