Rock art deteriorates
naturally over time by weathering, but by far the greatest threat is vandalism
and desecration by people. It is estimated that about 10 to 20% of sites
in southern Africa have been damaged or destroyed by vandals.
In recent years Stephen Townley Bassett has developed and refined methods
for the safe removal of graffiti from rock paintings. He works closely
with the South African Heritage Resource Agency and universities and has
helped to write guidelines for the management of several rock art sites
in the Cederberg area.