Peru’s reclusive Mashco Piro ethnic group recently used bows and arrows to attack loggers suspected of encroaching on their Amazon territory, according to a regional indigenous organization.
FENAMAD, which represents 39 indigenous communities in the Cusco and Madre de Dios regions, said Monday that it suspects illegal logging was taking place in Mashco Piro territory and that one logger was injured in the July 27 attack.
A few weeks ago, photos It originated from an uncontacted tribe searching for food on a beach in the Peruvian Amazon, and some experts say it is evidence that logging concessions are “dangerously close” to their territory.
“It is likely illegal because the area where the incident occurred is a forestry concession that belonged to Wood Tropical Forest until November 2022, and we are not aware of any concession that has requested or been granted consent rights in the same area,” said a FENAMAD representative, who spoke on condition of anonymity out of concern for his personal safety.
The organization says a lack of protective measures by the Peruvian government and increased activity by companies and illegal operators in Mashco Piro territory could have “devastating consequences,” such as disease transmission and increased violence.
In 2022, two loggers were shot with arrows while fishing, one fatally, during a confrontation with tribesmen. There have been several previous reports of conflict.
Peru’s Ministry of Culture, which is responsible for protecting indigenous peoples, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday about the attack and the ministry’s protection measures.
Survival International, an indigenous peoples’ advocacy group that has been closely monitoring the plight of Mashco Piro, says it is pressuring the Peruvian government to intervene deeper into these areas of the Amazon to bring the situation under control.
“This is a permanent emergency. For the past month we have seen the Mascho Piro every two weeks in different places, and in all places they are surrounded by loggers,” Teresa Mayo, a researcher with Survival International, said in a telephone interview.
“It really is a matter of life and death. And only the government can and has the obligation to stop it,” Mayo said.
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