ABSTRACT
In some parts of the world, humanly induced damage is the single greatest threat to the integrity and survival of rock-art, especially at open-air sites. This is especially true in parts of the globe with the greatest population densities, exponentially increasing opportunities for contact, and conflict, with rock-art sites. Much human damage comes through land-surface development from such sources as roads, housing, mines, and agriculture as well as from climate change. Sadly, a great deal of damage to rock-art sites stems from vandalism. Vandalism is often intentional in that the perpetrator is obviously aware that the rock-art exists on a surface. It may be unintentional when the rock-art is faint or obscure. There is no way to calculate the worldwide impact of vandalism at rock-art sites, but I believe that every professional working in the field would confirm that the problem is massive, global, and demanding of immediate attention.
