Wetland types and distribution

Abstract

Wetlands have been defined by referring to particular features of the vegetation, the water quality, water regimes, soils, and landform features, and the presence of particular fauna. This is reflected in the large number of terms in use to describe wetlands. While many maps and estimates have been produced we still lack adequate information about the extent and distribution of many wetlands. Further wetland inventory is required to describe and map wetlands in many parts of the world. The Ramsar Convention has supported such initiatives and encouraged the adoption of comparable methods.