Illegal timber seized in Indigenous Territory with the most isolated peoples in the world

By Jadson Lima – From Cenarium

MANAUS (AM) – The Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) seized 100 cubic metres of illegal timber, 11 chainsaws, and four vessels during an operation conducted within the Vale do Javari Indigenous Territory (IT), located in the western region of Amazonas, which is home to the largest number of isolated peoples in the world. Actions against environmental crimes were recorded between 26th January and 7th February 2025.

The operation was carried out on two fronts, operating along the courses of the Javari and Curuçá rivers, as well as the Ituí and Itacoaí rivers, areas where the presence of invaders threatens the safety of Indigenous communities and compromises natural resources.

According to Ibama, the fourth phase of “Operation Wahanararai” was supported by agents from the National Foundation for Indigenous Peoples (Funai) and Brazilian Army personnel. The seized illegal timber had been sawn and was extracted unlawfully from the forest, according to the institution. Additionally, the teams also seized four firearms during the actions.

The operation also resulted in the confiscation of wild animals held by illegal hunters operating in the region. In total, five deer, two white-lipped peccaries, two agoutis, 14 caimans, six yellow-spotted river turtles, two live tortoises, and one dead tortoise were seized. Agents also found approximately 14 birds, including three curassows, one trumpeter, one heron, and nine anhingas.

Images released by the institution on Tuesday, 25th, captured some of the animals seized during the inspection actions. Four caimans of different sizes, all headless, along with other fish and birds, were shown stored in a refrigerator with ice. The photograph suggests that the seizure took place on a vessel that was intercepted on the river. See below:

Another Ibama record, taken during rainfall in the region, shows wild animal meat placed on a table covered with cardboard. At least two animals can be identified at the site. The image was taken near a pavement at the intersection of two streets. Ibama did not disclose in which municipality the action was carried out. See the image below:

Largest Indigenous Territory of Isolated Peoples in the World

The Vale do Javari Indigenous Territory (AM), where the operation took place, is home to the largest number of isolated peoples in the world and spans four municipalities in Amazonas: Atalaia do Norte, Benjamin Constant, Jutaí, and São Paulo de Olivença. According to Ibama, the region faces constant invasions by illegal miners, hunters, and fishers.

Currently, around 26 Indigenous groups, totalling a population of 6,300 people, live across more than 840,000 hectares. The TI was officially recognised on 2nd May 2001. According to Ibama, the institution has intensified operations in partnership with Funai, ensuring a greater state presence and strengthening environmental oversight in the region.

Revised by Gustavo Gilona
Translated from Portuguese by Gustô Alves