“From some sources we have learned that it is possible to extend the life of the shuttle beyond 2011. Then the situation would change substantially and it would be possible to work jointly with the Americans, unlike now, when the main burden lies with the Russian side.”

Russian space programme chief Anatoly Perminov says the US may be able to extend the space shuttle programme beyond 2011 in order to service the space station (RIA and Interfax, via Reuters).

“We continue to find new species of fish, primates and mammals, and nowhere else compares to the amount of large mammals that have been discovered in the region. It shows how little we know about species in the region.”

Barney Long, head of the WWF’s Asian Species Conservation programme, comments on the discovery of over 160 new species in the Mekong region (CNN).

“Why visit Rome to see ruins or Egypt to see mere piles of stones called pyramids, yet you can go to Bwindi and see your next of kin?”

Uganda’s Minister of Tourism Kahinda Otafiire appeals to tourists to visit and see the country’s gorillas (AP).