Mysterious circles of blackbuck in Rajasthan

Have you ever zoomed in on Google Maps and spotted strange dots in the middle of Rajasthan? They are not rocks. Not trees either. They are poop...blackbuck poop!

Welcome to Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most unique protected areas in India, and home to the elegant and endangered blackbuck in Rajasthan (also known as the kala hiran).

Where is Tal Chhapar?

Located in the Churu district of Rajasthan, Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is a haven for grassland species and birdwatchers. But there's something else that makes this place truly extraordinary—and it's visible even from satellite images.

What Are Those Strange Dots in the Landscape?

When you zoom into Tal Chhapar on Google Maps, you'll notice evenly spaced, circular patches all across the dry landscape. At first glance, they look like rocks or maybe saplings planted in a pattern. But they are actually heaps of blackbuck dung!

This isn’t random. It’s a fascinating and deliberate part of blackbuck mating behavior.

Poop as a Territorial Marker?

During the mating season, male blackbucks gather in an open, treeless area—almost like a natural stadium or cricket field. This gathering of males is called a lek, and each male stakes out a small territory within this field.

But here’s the twist: each male marks his territory by defecating in one spot repeatedly. Over time, this leads to large heaps of poop, forming visual markers that separate one male’s territory from another’s. These dung piles have been created and maintained year after year, to the point where they’re now visible on satellite imagery.

What’s the Purpose?

These territorial markers serve two main purposes:

• They signal ownership to rival males, reducing the need for constant fighting.

• They act as attractors for females, who may evaluate the size, location, and intensity of a male’s display area while choosing a mate.

It’s one of the most fascinating examples of non-verbal animal communication in Indian grasslands. blackbuck in Rajasthan

Why Is This Important?

This behavior shows us how complex and ritualistic animal mating systems can be. And it highlights why open grassland habitats like Tal Chhapar need protection. If these territories are disturbed, the entire population of blackbuck can be affected.

Zoom In and Explore Blackbuck in Rajasthan Differently

So the next time you're on Google Maps, zoom in on Tal Chhapar and see if you can spot these circular dung heaps yourself. It’s nature like you’ve never seen before—visible from space!