Neglected grassland habitat in Guindy National Park set for revival to support blackbuck population

Restoration of Polo Ground in Guindy National Park to benefit blackbucks with removal of invasive species and native grass planting.

A long-neglected parcel of land within Guindy National Park is set to be restored. Known as the Polo Ground — named after its use during British rule when trees were cleared for polo matches — the area has since become overrun with invasive plant species. Despite its condition, it remains an important habitat for blackbucks.

The Guindy National Park is one of the few protected areas in the heart of the city and provides a refuge for both spotted deer and blackbucks. Blackbucks, in particular, depend on open grasslands to survive. 

Within the Guindy National Park-IIT-Raj Bhavan complex, the Polo Ground is the only significant open space available for them to graze. Grasslands are otherwise scarce and unevenly distributed across the park.

Efforts are now underway to revive this habitat. According to Manish Meena, Wildlife Warden of Chennai, a four-hectare section of the Polo Ground is being restored. Invasive species, including Mexican grass, have already been removed, and seven native grass species will be planted. Additionally, legume species will be introduced to enhance soil fertility.

Ecologist and conservationist R.J. Ranjit Daniels welcomed the initiative, calling it “a very good move”, as the grasslands are critical for the survival of blackbucks. He noted that in other parts of the country, like Rajasthan, blackbucks engage in “lek mating”—a behavior where males gather to perform competitive displays and courtship rituals. However, such behavior has not been observed in Guindy National Park, possibly due to limited open space.