"Dream - Authorities in Spain are investigating a 39-year-old man who allegedly vandalized ancient rock art for social media content. The man is accused of damaging a 6,000-year-old cave painting to obtain eye-catching photos. This investigation was initiated by the Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) of the Spanish Civil Guard last May."

The investigation was conducted after the Nature Protection Service found the images on Facebook. The post explained that the photos were taken in Sierra Sur de Jaén, a mountain range in southern Spain that is protected as a national cultural heritage. "The photos show water being poured onto the cave paintings, wetting the paintings to make them more visible and capturing clearer images," said the Civil Guard.

"Watering the rock paintings indeed makes them appear clearer and more interesting to be captured as a Facebook profile picture. However, this action actually damages the authenticity of the thousands-year-old rock paintings. As a result, others can no longer see them in their original condition. The limestone found in the special area of Sierra Sur de Jaén, where the paintings are located, is soluble in water. When water absorbs salts from the rocks, the salts will dissolve and then form a crust when the water evaporates. According to the explanation from the Guardia Civil, this crust can cause permanent damage to the rock paintings."

The man is currently being investigated for alleged crimes against historical heritage. The investigation is being conducted in accordance with the laws set out in the Spanish Constitution to protect the country's cultural wealth for future generations. This also explains why many rock art locations in national parks remain strictly secretive about their locations. There is even an unwritten rule among discoverers not to disclose the exact locations. Concealing this information is done to support efforts to preserve and protect cultural heritage.