Exclusive: Automatic cameras in the Brazilian rainforest show images of the Massaco people, who are flourishing despite environmental threats

Summary

Images from automatic cameras reveal the first detailed glimpse of the isolated Massaco community in the Brazilian Amazon, estimated to have doubled in size since the 1990s to 250 people.

Despite threats from ranchers, loggers, and miners, the Massaco remain resilient, using strategies like spikes to deter outsiders.

Brazil’s no-contact policy, initiated in 1987 to protect isolated Indigenous peoples from disease and exploitation, has led to population growth among similar groups.

However, chronic underfunding and illegal encroachments continue to threaten these communities and the forests they protect.

  • GiuseppeAndTheYetiEnglish
    6·
    4 hours ago

    Okay, but if you were even slightly informed on the situation they’re presented with or read the article, you would know that this Rumspringa you want to introduce to their society would kill them. They don’t have immunity to common illnesses like influenza and it has previously decimated about 85% of other indigenous peoples.

    Not just that, they’re in contact. They have an agent of Funai that they are able to contact if they so choose. They’re offered metal gifts to prevent them from stealing metal from farms and putting themselves at risk. They’re aware of outside presence and actively lay wooden spike traps to dissuade people from seeking contact. Funai protocol is to only allow communication if it is initiated by the indigenous people.