Proposed classification system for the South African National Wetland Inventory

South Africa has begun developing a wetland inventory program, coordinated on a national scale and employing a standardised methodology and classification system. In order to facilitate the mapping phase of the inventory and enhance the value of data gathered, a classification system for South Africa’s wetlands has been developed. This is based on the Cowardin system used by the United States National Wetland Inventory, but has been adapted to accommodate the full range of South African wetland diversity. A significant departure from the original Cowardin system is the separation of endorheic (pan or playa) ecosystems from other lacustrine and palustrine habitats. Palustrine wetlands have also been distinguished into four subsystems, based on position in the landscape. This should enhance the value of the classification for purposes of conservation and management. A field verification protocol is currently being developed to test the proposed classification system.