Lietuvos šlapynės: klasifikacija ir sklaida = Lithuanian wetlands: classification and distribution

Abstract

The article deals with five geo-ecosystem wetland groups distinguished according to the Ramsar classification system for wetland types: peatlands, suo wetlands, lentic wetlands, lotic wetlands and marine/ coastal wetlands. The state of these wetlands and their distribution in separate river catchments and the whole country is evaluated. It was estimated that inland wetlands cover 26.74 % of Lithuania‘s territory, where 48.1% is covered by natural wetlands. The largest area is covered by suo wetlands (52.1% from the total wetlands’ area), whereas lotic wetlands cover the smallest area (3% from the total wetlands’ area). Peatlands cover 37% from the total wetlands’ area. Marine/coastal wetlands (shallow marine waters and freshwater lagoons) occupy 397.5 km² of Lithuania‘s water area.