Lascaux caves threatened by microbes
Cave Art
The Lascaux caves in France, which host fabulous prehistoric art, are being threatened by harmful microorganisms again. The invading fungus, a member of the Fusarium family, was first spotted in June 2001 and has now spread to the floor, walls and parts of the caves' ceiling. Experts speculate that it may have gained entry via the dirty boots of workers.
The fungus has not caused any discernible damage to the art on the walls. Experts reveal that the combined use of a fungicide and an antibiotic has so far proved successful in containing the microbial onslaught.
The Lascaux caves, located in the southwestern region of the Dordogne, were discovered in 1940 and opened to the public in 1948. The vibrant images of palaeolithic animals that adorn the caves' walls immediately attracted worldwide interest and tourists began to visit in droves. The caves' entrance was widened to facilitate more visitors, but this also let in moisture, heat and microorganisms. The site had to be shut down to public view in 1963 after green algae sprouted on the walls. It took until 1998 to get rid of that problem.