Deterioration

Rock paintings are remarkably fragile and can be damaged in many ways. Wind, sun, rain, fire and dust all take their toll. Animals such as buffalo, pigs, cattle and horses cause paints to flake and crumble when they rub against the surfaces. Paintings are also damaged by the activity of birds and certain insects such as termites and mud wasps that build nests on rock walls. Plants, too, can have an effect. Moulds, fungi, algae and lichen grow over many painting sites, and tree roots can cause whole rock surfaces to crack or fall away. Ochre paints are easily washed away, or simply fade through natural weathering. On the other hand, water rich in silica can protect painted surfaces by sealing the paintings and protecting them from physical, chemical and botanical damage.

Perhaps most damaging of all are the activities of people. Visitors disturb dust which coats painted surfaces and may physically abrade or chemically react with the paints. Motorists, tourists and vandals are, intentionally or unintentionally, accelerating the deterioration of many paintings.