Most of the rock art sites are stable and relatively well preserved. In particular, village farming, cattle grazing and harvesting of forestry resources are encroaching on the areas surrounding the rock art sites. The woodland areas around the rock art sites give vital protection to the rock art, and are essential to control soil erosion and retain ground water. One of the key qualities of the Kondoa rock art sites is that they still play an active role in the rituals of local communities. Twelve Kondoa rock painting sites were given a special status and level of protection when they were scheduled as National Monuments in 1949.