Microbial life on elephant fossil bones from La Polledrara di Cecanibbio. Is it a real threat for their conservation?

The elephant bones which have been left in situ deserve an outstanding mention, because they make La Polledrara di Cecanibbio the most important elephant site in Italy. Their scientific value requires careful conservation strategies that sometime are in contrast with the exhibition in situ. In fact, the exhibition in situ favors on the one hand the best safeguard of any taphonomic information, as well as a complete fruition of the palaeontological site in its depositional context and major tourist feedbacks; but, on the other hand, it may expose this cultural heritage to the threat of a series of potential pollutant agents, both atmospherical and biological.