Rio Galvez JULY 10 2017
We woke early again today due to the warm weather and deafening sounds of the rain forest through the polyester tent. Kane was introduced by the local hunters in how to make traps to catch food, using only the trees and vines. Aside from hunting with the bow and arrow, the Matses use different methods for certain mammals, like rodent, Tapir and Capybara. Dennis (Rafa Nadal lookalike) showed us how to use the trees to trap animals, firstly noticing their daily tracks and hoping they return during the night. If these Indians don’t catch food, they don’t eat so its vital they succeed.
We also climbed palm trees, using palm leaves wrapped around our ankles for grip. This technique is used to collect coconuts and also a way of escaping the dangers of the Jaguar. Just a few years ago when guns were introduced, the Matses hunted animals in large numbers, even for sport, but pleasingly now, they only kill what they need to survive - which keeps the population high and the food cycle balanced in the jungle.
Climbing the rainforest trees
The afternoon was slow so we decided to go fishing with Hernan and Sergio. The lake was about an hour boat trip upstream from the camp and a short hike from the river. It was pristine and in a perfect ecological state, and probably inhabited by Caiman and the Anaconda. In one hour we caught about 15 fish (mostly Wolf Fish) that was enough for the group for a few days so we left and delivered our meal to Alyssya, who prepared them for dinner - smoking them slowly over an open fire made from the local trees.
The evening sky was again lit by the full moon and therefore provided ideal conditions to hunt with Dennis. He can listen for the sounds of an animal, from a long distance away. These people have amazing senses, especially hearing and vision and within 30mins of trekking deep into the jungle, the expert hunter found a white turkey nesting in a tree. This was Kane’s first proper bow and arrow lesson, and learning on the job, we approached the large bird. The pressure was on Kane to produce food for the group. Dennis carefully passed his bow and arrow to Kane, while I quietly followed with the camera, framing up on the 15 year old who was about to take his first shot at a wild animal. This was Kane’s chance to prove to the Matses people that he was ready to be part of their tribe, and to return with a meal.
It’s probably a good time to reflect on the importance of sustainability in the Amazon. These people have existed in this wild diverse forest for thousands of years, and they have adapted perfectly to the harsh landscape, climate and dangers it brings. The animals are sacred to them and they thank them for providing their meal. They only remove the trees they need for wood and they only kill what they need to eat. They use all of it with no waste so the system works and the people live harmoniously with nature.
Returning from the hunt empty handed, the night ended with another search for Caiman, a quiet 2 hours floating downstream on the river, under another sky full of stars and the full moon. A highlight of the expedition was turning off the motor and listening to the stereophonic sounds of the jungle, on the hunt for the prehistoric reptile. We have been blessed with great weather so far making conditions perfect for filming in the Amazon and sighting the amazing wildlife this region has to offer.
Friendly Rana (frog)