Half of the Worlds Wildlife Gone

The internet is lit up today with news from the recent WWF announcement that roughly HALF of the worlds vertebrate species have vanished in the last 40 years. It is a devastating figure. But it should not come as a surprise. The massive over-fishing of our oceans, rampant deforestation of forests all over the globe, and myriad other wholesale destruction of nature, have made it virtually impossible for wildlife to survive the growing influence of the Anthropocene. #LPR2014

As the Wall Street Journal writes: "The latest analysis was done by scientists at the wildlife group WWF, the Zoological Society of London and other organizations. Based on an analysis of thousands of vertebrate species, it concludes that overall animal populations fell by 52% between 1970 and 2010."

The world is becoming a quieter place. Which is exactly what Mother of God is about. What I have seen in my decade of work in tropical rainforests around the world, is that the natural world is in trouble. I have seen it with my own eyes. And it seems now more black and white than ever: if our generation does not succeed in reversing the tide of destruction, our world will lose much of its living things. 

Click Here to read the firsthand account of whats really going on in Amazonia, and the last few wild places on Earth.

Encounters with Uncontacted People in the Amazon

For the last few weeks life has taken place beneath the trees, out in the Madre de Dios region of Peru. While traveling on remote rivers at this time of year, the dry season, it is always important to remember that nomadic 'uncontacted' tribes are a reality in Amazonia. This simple stone axe head was found in the abandoned camp of a nomadic Indian group. Smooth and well made, it is a tool used by a people from an entirely different world.

Have you read Mother of God and want to help the rainforest - here's your chance!

If you've read Mother of God you know all about the Amazing wildlife in the Madre de Dios region, and you know that the Las Piedras River is the crown jewel - the heart of the place. In the coming months an exciting project is coming together to document the indescribable beauty of this river, from its vast forests, teaming wildlife, and mysterious nomadic cultures. This is a call to arms that I hope you will join me in supporting. Check out the stunning trailer:

The Mother of God Trailer -

Staring into Faces in the Jungle

This week, once again, uncontacted tribes have been photographed from the air on the Peruvian/Brazilian boarder. Looking at these pictures instantly gave me a shot of adrenaline and brought back a fear that I have been trying to forget for a few years now. On the rainy day when I ran into a nomadic tribe, I knew my life was in danger. I knew that their lives were in danger due to my germs. But there was something more, I found myself completely terrified of their faces. And walking through the forest, now, I often turn quickly when the feeling on my spine tingles in wonder that they could be there watching. 

Uncontacted Tribes Are in the News Again

#Uncontactedtribes make the news every few months, when someone from the air gets a picture of them. These pictures are very clear and show a group of people taking cover beneath a shelter, clutching spears/bow and arrows. Strange to think of a human that has never seen the wheel, or used a spoon. But they know many things we don't. So we should respect them and leave them alone out there.