At risk of extinction from disease and land loss
In the depths of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil live tribes who have no contact with the outside world.
Illegal loggers and cattle ranchers are invading their land and bringing disease. They won’t survive unless this stops.
Time and time again, contact has resulted in disaster for Brazil’s uncontacted tribes.
These very isolated peoples have not built up immunity to diseases common elsewhere, which is why they are so vulnerable.
It is not unusual for 50% of a tribe to be wiped out within a year of first contact, by diseases such as measles and influenza.
The Matis population fell by half following contact, when both young and old, including most of the shamans, died from introduced diseases.
Conflict and violent clashes are one of the most common outcomes of economic activity in areas where uncontacted people live.
Such conflicts have led to the death of some outsiders and many more Indians.
The last five surviving Akuntsu suffered brutal attacks, witnessed the massacre of their companions and saw their homes bulldozed by ranchers.
Your support is vital if the Uncontacted Indians of Brazil are to survive. There are many ways you can help.
