In this paper, we introduce a novel wavelet-based multiple description image coder, referred to as the feature-oriented MDC (FO-MDC). The proposed multiple description coders exploit the statistics of the wavelet coefficients, and identify the subsets of samples those are sensitive to packet loss. A joint optimization between tree-pruning and quantizer selection in the rate-distortion sense is used in order to allocate more bits to these sensitive coefficients. When compared with the state-of-the-art multiple description scalar quantization coders, the proposed FO-MDC yields a more efficient central-side distortion tradeoff control mechanism. Furthermore, it proves to be more robust for image transmission even with high packet loss ratios.