COALITION No. 10, July 2005

THE LESSONS OF sampled shortly after the discovery (Schabereiter-Gurtner et al. 2004). However, C. Saiz-Jimenez most of the identified strains in represented unknown and uncultured species. Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla, CSIC, Sevilla, We must accept that some of the most famous paleolithic paintings are threatened by Recently, in some multidisciplinary journals unknown microorganisms, but under these (Holden, 2002, 2003; Allemand, 2003; premises, how a microbiologist can propose Allemand and Bahn, 2005; Castellani, 2005) countermeasures?. If the microbes and their and a few internet web pages appeared metabolic activity are unknown how a reports and letters on the biological threats on treatment can be proposed? And if proposed, Lascaux paintings. This increasing interest in can be predicted the effects on other microbial biodeterioration effects of microorganisms on communities and the evolution of further rock art paintings derived from the fungal biological successions?. invasion of Lascaux . Allemand and Bahn (2005) stated that the Lascaux Cave suffered works and best way to protect rock art is to leave it modifications since 1940, the year of alone, and, at the current level of knowledge, discovery. In fact, an air-conditioning system we must admit it would be the safest was installed between 1957 and 1958, measure. replaced in 1972 and thereafter in 2000. It was thought that workmen putting in the new Assuming that rock art, all over the world, is system brought the contamination on their subjected to many different threats, and to boots (Allemand, 2003). Fusarium solani commemorate the fifth anniversary of the quickly covered the floor of the cave and publication of this electronic newsletter, an fungicides and antibiotics were used against invitation for contributing was addressed to a it. However, Lascaux has a long history of number of well-known specialists in rock art. biological contamination and previously was COALITION Nos. 10 and 11, therefore, will contaminated by algae (Lefèvre et al. 1964) include contributions on conservation of rock and the cave treated with formaldehyde and art in Africa, America, and Europe. antibiotics. The eradication of microorganisms The editor acknowledges the collaboration of in Lascaux Cave is a clear example of how all colleagues and their availability for man’s attempts to control or manage nature preparing this special issue that is expected provoke further unpredicted changes in will be of interest for all professionals involved cave´s biodiversity. in cultural heritage studies.

Microorganisms, particularly bacteria, inhabit References Allemand, L. (2003). Qui sauvera Lascaux?. La Recherche 363: all allowable habitats of the biosphere, 26-33. including subterranean ones. Subsurface Allemand, L., Bahn, P.G. (2005). Best way to protect rock art is to leave it alone. Nature 433: 800. habitats are dark, generally low in organic Castellani, F. (2005). The film crew. Nature 433: 100-101. nutrients, relatively constant in temperature, Holden C. (2002). Cave paintings in jeopardy. Science 297: 47. Holden C. (2003). Wanted: solution for cave mold. Science 300: but, in turn, contain numerous microbial 245. communities. Microorganisms occupy all cave Lefèvre, M., Laporte, G., Bauer, J. (1964). Sur les niches (rocks, speleothems, moonmilk, microorganismes envahissant les peintures rupestres de la grotte préhistorique de Lascaux. C.R. Acad. Sc. Paris 258: waters, etc.) and the conspicuous colonization 5116-5118. of paintings, walls, ceiling, and cave soils Schabereiter-Gurtner, C., Saiz-Jimenez, C., Piñar, G., Lubitz, W., Rölleke. S. (2002a). Altamira cave Paleolithic paintings harbor constitute a biological pool where a wide partly unknown bacterial communities. FEMS Microbiol. Lett. variety of microorganisms is waiting for an 211: 7-11. Schabereiter-Gurtner, C., Saiz-Jimenez, C., Piñar, G., Lubitz, W., unbalance in the delicate ecological and Rölleke, S. (2002b) Phylogenetic 16S rRNA analysis reveals microclimatic cave conditions for proliferation. the presence of complex and partly unknown bacterial communities in Tito Bustillo cave, Spain, and on its Paleolithic paintings. Environ. Microbiol. 4: 392-400. Microorganisms have been found in all Schabereiter-Gurtner, C., Saiz-Jimenez, C., Piñar, G., Lubitz, W., Spanish rock art paintings so far studied Rolleke, S. (2004). Phylogenetic diversity of bacteria associated with Paleolithic paintings and surrounding rock (Schabereiter-Gurtner et al. 2002 a, b) and walls in two Spanish caves (Llonin and La Garma). FEMS they are apparently a “natural” colonisation, Microbiol. Ecol. 47, 235-247. Back to index as shown in La Garma Cave, visited and

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