Online Reporter
PERU. − The world’s largest uncontacted tribe known for killing outsiders could now face certain peril.
The previously isolated Mashco Piro tribe, who roam the Amazon rainforest, have had increased contact with the outside world, due to further logging in their tribal area.
New imagery has shown the tribe in very close proximity to logging crews, increasing their risk of disease, death and extinction.
Activists have warned similar contact has previously wiped out entire indigenous communities in the Amazon.
President of the neighbouring indigenous Yine community, Enrique Añez, has also raised the alarm.
He told the Independent: “It is very worrying, they are in danger.”
Añez said the Yine community has had more contact with the Mashco Piro in recent years due to increased industrial action.
“Logging equipment [is] gouging paths through the jungle not far from their territory,” he said.
The tribe’s ancestral land, much of which is abundant and dense forest, has become increasingly active with logging operations.
The rise in activity has directly increased tribe encounters with the outside world.
Last year, the Mashco Piro tribe killed two loggers by bow and arrow after they encroached on tribal territory.
The logging operations continued just one year following the deadly attack.
Teresa Mayo, a researcher for Survival International, said a further “clash could be imminent”.
“They still have the licence of the government, and that is how they back their activities even if they know they are putting both Mashco Piro and their workers’ lives at risk,” she said.
Logging company Maderera Canales Tehuamanu was ordered to stop operations until November by the Forest Stewardship Council.
The Forest Stewardship Council certifies sustainable wood products.
Survival International suspects the order has been ignored, due to the presence of heavy machinery and bridge footprints.
Activist groups like Survival International say a permanent bridge over the Tehuamanu River could result in deforestation activity encroaching further into the rainforest.
Further industrial activity would make encounters with the Mashco Piro tribe even more likely.
A spokesperson from Peru’s Culture Ministry said the ministry had been looking over Survival International’s report.
Survival International has created eight reserves for indigenous tribes, five more in progress and currently operates 19 control posts. − The Sun
