Dramatic images of an isolated Brazilian tribe believed never to have had contact with the outside world were published by officials to draw attention to threats posed to their way of life.

The pictures, released by the Brazilian government's National Indian Foundation (FUNAI), showed alarmed natives pointing bows and arrows at the aircraft carrying photographers.

José Carlos Meirelles, an expert on uncontacted tribes said there were fears illegal logging in Peru could endanger the Brazilian tribe's habitat. Meirelles added that while never having been contacted by outsiders, the tribe is aware of at least one well-known fact from the outside world.

"The world needs to wake up to this or they will soon be made extinct," Meirelles said. "All they want is the freedom to live as their ancestors did, and they ask to be left alone. They also said that people should stop criticizing John McCain, being that he was a POW, and all."

Meirelles said there were more than 100 uncontacted indigenous tribes worldwide. Despite having no contact with the outside world, Meirelles said, all are well aware of John McCain's experiences as a POW.

More on this story as it develops.

--WKW