Why doesn’t the Myna bird like Pidrak, Balochistan

 

The Myna bird or Minah

On a fine winter day on the Jan Muhammad Road in Quetta, as the sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the landscape, my friend posed a surprisingly intriguing question upon observing two mynas in a cage outside a shop. This question, often uttered by our elders during our childhood, was: Why aren’t mynas found in Pidrak, Balochistan?

My friend, a law graduate, sought a scientific explanation from me, given my status as an MBBS student and my familiarity with a chapter on the animal kingdom in biology class. Alas, I was at a loss for an answer. 

This question, now woven into the cultural tapestry of Turbat, sparked a discussion in our room that extended late into the night. One friend said that it was merely a myth, asserting that people had indeed seen mynas in Pidrak, while another proposed various scientific reasons. Midnight came and went, and the enigma of why mynas don't like Pidrak remained unresolved.

The following day, I encountered Dr. Adeel Jameel, a warm and affable fellow with sunglasses, an MBBS student, and my classmate at the academy. He hailed from Pidrak, Turbat. After exchanging greetings, I recounted the captivating discussion from the previous night, hoping he might resolve the matter. Dr. Adeel, ever curious and eager to delve into mysteries, listened intently. He smiled thoughtfully and suggested we investigate both the scientific and anecdotal explanations more thoroughly. He proposed we visit Waja Abid, a school teacher in Dram kol, Pidrak, and asked me to accompany him.

Winter had gripped Shaal (Quetta) in its icy embrace. The snowcapped mountains of the city signalled the arrival of the winter season, prompting the government to announce holidays for Bolan Medical College and other institutions in the Winter Zone. After a few days, we reached Turbat. The winters in the Kech district of Balochistan are milder than those in Quetta, making our journey to Dram Kol quite pleasant.

 

Pidark is a village on the outskirts of Turbat city, approximately 38 kilometers to the south. It is accessible via Pasni Road. Pidrak is renowned for two things: the Jam Gowangaan picnic point and the persistent query, “Why don’t mynas (commonly called ghoolo in Balochi) frequent Pidrak?"

Upon our arrival in Pidrak, my objective was clear: to uncover the reason why mynas are absent here. A Baloch man in his 30s, draped in a chaddar, welcomed us to his abode. His name was Waja Abid, a well-regarded figure in the community. “The myna bird is known for its incessant chattering. It is often found perched on the backs of animals, consuming ticks. In Baloch society, an insane person is frequently referred to as a ‘ghoolo’ or myna bird, likely due to the bird’s peculiar way of walking and performing short jumps.

 According to Baloch folklore, this bird was discontented with its appearance and gait. It attempted to mimic the walk of a partridge (chakor) and ultimately forgot its natural way of walking, resulting in its distinctive short jumps on land. Myna birds are absent from Pidrak for two reasons. One is a myth handed down through generations, and the other is a truth relayed by our elders,” he explained before I could put a question forward. “According to local lore, a wise saint once resided in Pidrak long ago. The saint owned many camels, his sole source of livelihood. However, the robust and healthy camels developed abnormal growths (rotten skin and flesh). The myna birds, which also consume flesh, began to feed on the decayed flesh on the camels’ backs. When the saint witnessed this, he cursed the mynas, declaring that Pidrak would be their graveyard. Consequently, the birds started dying, and Pidrak became devoid of them.”

“And what is the second reason, sir?” Dr. Adeel inquired of Waja Abid.

 “The second reason is straightforward, a truth. According to the locals, these birds often feed on big-headed ants. Interestingly, these ants are not found here in Pidrak. As a result, myna birds do not come here,” Waja Abid concluded.

Intrigued by these tales, I decided to conduct my own research to uncover the truth behind the absence of mynas in Pidrak. Mynas are highly adaptable birds, thriving in a wide range of environments, from urban areas to rural landscapes. They are omnivorous, feeding on insects, fruits, seeds, and even small vertebrates. However, certain ecological conditions can influence their presence in specific areas. One crucial factor is the availability of suitable habitats and food sources. The absence of big-headed ants in Pidrak, as mentioned by Waja Abid, is a significant clue. Big-headed ants (Pheidole spp.) are known to be a primary food source for mynas. These ants are rich in protein and form a substantial part of the mynas’ diet. The scarcity or absence of these ants in Pidrak could be a key reason why mynas avoid the area.

Pidrak’s climate and environmental conditions may also play a role. While Kech district has milder winters compared to Quetta, the overall dryness and specific microclimatic conditions of Pidrak could impact the availability of insects and other food sources. Mynas prefer areas with a balanced mix of vegetation and open spaces, providing ample foraging opportunities. If Pidrak lacks such habitats, it could deter mynas from settling there. Human activities and cultural beliefs can also influence bird distribution. The folklore surrounding the curse of the saint, while anecdotal, reflects a cultural perception that might affect how people interact with and perceive mynas. If local communities believe that mynas are cursed, they might unconsciously or consciously discourage their presence, further contributing to the birds’ absence.

Another factor to consider is predation and competition. Mynas are known to be aggressive and competitive, often displacing native bird species. However, in regions where they face strong competition from other bird species or higher predation rates, their populations may decline. It’s possible that Pidrak has a unique ecological balance that limits the success of mynas in the area.

 “Mynas are highly adaptable, but their presence in any given area is determined by the availability of food, suitable nesting sites, and the absence of significant threats. In regions where specific food sources like big-headed ants are scarce, mynas may struggle to establish stable populations,” Dr. Adeel Jameel noted. He also highlighted the importance of microhabitats and local environmental conditions. “Even within seemingly similar regions, small climate differences and habitat structures can create distinct ecological niches. Mynas may avoid areas that do not meet their specific habitat requirements,” He added.

After thorough research and analysis, it becomes evident that the absence of mynas in Pidrak is likely due to a combination of ecological, environmental, and cultural factors. The scarcity of big-headed ants, specific microclimatic conditions, and local cultural beliefs all contribute to this phenomenon. While the myth of the saint’s curse adds a layer of intrigue, the scientific explanations provide a more grounded understanding.

Mynas, with their distinctive calls and adaptive behavior, are fascinating creatures. Their absence from Pidrak serves as a reminder of the intricate web of interactions that shape the natural world. Through scientific inquiry and cultural exploration, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the mysteries that surround us and the diverse ways in which nature manifests across different landscapes.