Siphandone is a large complex of different wetland habitats. The hydrological conditions of the
Mekong River vary greatly across the web of channels and over the seasonal river cycle. A
general classification guideline was provided by the initial classification system available in Lao
PDR, as produced under the Mekong Commission Wetland Programme (Mekong Secretariat,
1993). However, given the broad range of typologies and the fact that this study is only at its
initial stage, our wetland identification and description exercise was not aimed at fitting into a
formal framework, but rather at facilitating the initial collection and compilation of field
evidence from a variety of sources: the geological and geomorphological survey, vegetation
surveys, the interpretation of satellite imagery and aerial photos, habitat reconnaissance surveys
and compilation of local vernacular knowledge.
The exercise has produced a preliminary identification and description of the main landscape
elements and habitat features (Altobelli et al., 1998; Brambati and Carulli, 1999; Maxwell,
1999). Given the complexity of the site, it is recognised that the accurate analysis, classification
and mapping of wetland habitats throughout these reaches of the Mekong will require additional
work. However, a summary of the information gathered so far is presented herewith (see Table 2
for a schematic outline). Two groups of wetland habitats can be identified: riverine (in-stream)
habitats associated with the complex river morphology; and floodplain seasonally wet habitats,
including natural and man-made habitats.