Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary

Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Churu district of Rajasthan, near the town of Chhapar, on the edge of the Great Indian Thar Desert. Established as a sanctuary in 1966, it covers about 7.2 square kilometers and is known primarily as a refuge for the graceful blackbuck antelope, with a population of over 4,500.

The sanctuary features a flat, open grassland landscape dotted with scattered Acacia and Prosopis trees, giving it a characteristic savanna appearance. It also has shallow seasonal ponds formed by rainwater. Tal Chhapar is important for birdwatching, hosting around 250 species of birds, including many migratory raptors like harriers, imperial and tawny eagles, as well as demoiselle cranes and black ibis. Resident birds such as skylarks, crested larks, and doves are present year-round.

Besides wildlife, a special local grass called “Mothiya,” named for its pearl-like seeds, grows here. The sanctuary was once a hunting reserve for the Bikaner royal family and now serves as a vital conservation area preserving this unique desert ecosystem and its diverse fauna.