Uncontacted tribe photogaphed in remote corner of Peru (PHOTOS)

Researchers have discovered a previously uncontacted tribe in Peru, the BBC reported.

The Mashco-Piro tribe is found in southeastern Peru near the Manu national park. 

Survival International, a group that works to protect tribes from harm caused by deforestation and other environmental concerns, released the photos with some commentary. The group says the tribe is one of about 100 uncontacted tribes left in the world. They have some indirect contact with the outside world through the vast indigenous trade network that brings them a few goods such as metal pans, they are quite isolated otherwise. "Uncontacted tribes are extremely vulnerable to any form of contact with outsiders because they do not have immunity to Western diseases," says Survival. 

The BBC reports that perhaps these tribes would prefer to be left alone: "There's been increasing conflict and violence against outsiders that are on their ancestral land," Survival's Peru campaigner Rebecca Spooner told BBC News.

That's no wonder: illegal logging and other activities are encroaching onto their lands, according to Survival International. The group reports that sightings of the Mascho-Piro have increased recently, perhaps due to deforestation. 

More photos can be found on Survival International's website.