Talking Pyramids: Ancient Egyptian Pyramids

An increasing number of pigeons and other birds are gathering at the Sphinx. It is thought that the rising humidity level in the stone that the Sphinx is carved from is causing calcium deposits that attract the birds. Their droppings as well as their constant pecking at the Sphinx is endangering the fragile feline statue that is carved from bedrock of the Giza plateau.

The solution? Bird repellent.

“El Shammaa launched an on-line campaign last year called “Save the Sphinx,” in which he expanded on his theory that the rising groundwater levels endanger the monument, with water seeping into the stone and creating calcium deposits.

It is these calcium deposits, he says, that are attracting increased numbers of birds.

“I spoke to experts who told me about capillary action, a natural phenomenon that causes any fluid to ascend or descent through hair-like tubes,” he said.

“Most probably this is the Sphinx’s current condition: most specialists support the assumption that humidity must have ascended and interacted with the Sphinx’s limestone rock, resulting in a kind of calcium that is usually relished by pigeons,” he added.

“But we shouldn’t forget that the birds eat into the stone as they pick those tiny bits of calcium. The Sphinx has suffered enough and it’s about time to take immediate action. The effect of underground water coupled with the presence of these birds can result in the archaeological loss of one of the emblems of Egypt.

Read the full story at Daily News Egypt

Tags: Giza, sphinx