Hasil untuk "Forestry"

Babirye Khadijah, Ammar Ahmad Khan, Shahrul Razid Sarbini et al.

Abstract Edible insects are lately a research niche due to their promising nutrition and sustainability benefits. Protein profiling of a food at laboratory scale or invitro tests require validation through invivo assays to guide regulatory food standards and human nutrition intervention programmes, especially where such a protein food contains antinutritional compounds at laboratory analysis. The present study thus aimed at comparing protein quality in flour from four species of edible winged termites through a rat model, and investigating the effects of termite flour-supplemented diets on hematological plus biochemical indices. A total of 36 weanling male albino rats were distributed across 4 termite-supplemented diets (different termite species in each diet), a casein (control) diet, and a basal diet, with 6 rats in each group, and were fed on these diets for 28 days. Rats fed on Macrotermes bellicosus, Pseudocanthotermes spriniger, and Odontotermes lateritius diets produced the significantly highest weight gain (18.92 to 19.21 g), biological value (87.22 to 88.09%), relative kidney weight (0.91 to 0.97 g/100 g) and liver weight (5.50 to 5.84 g/100 g). Exceptionally, rats fed on the M. bellicosus diet produced the significantly highest protein efficiency ratio (1.97), net protein ratio (3.72), and hemoglobin level (14.31 g/dL). The true digestibility, total plasma protein, and packed cell volume for rats fed on M. bellicosus diet and casein diet were comparable. Similarly, rats fed on the casein diet produced statistically similar white blood cell count with those fed on the O. lateritius diet, yet their (casein-fed rats) biological value and aspartate transaminase activity were comparable to that of rats fed on Macrotermes subhyalinus diet. Present findings revealed that M. bellicosus and P. spriniger-supplemented diets produce high protein quality whereas the casein diet generally outcompetes the M. subhyalinus-supplemented diet. Results of the present study could find applications in development of high quality protein-rich foods from edible winged termites, for use during nutrition-intervention programmes/campaigns.

Manju Paudel, Gyan Bandhu Sharma, Gandhiv Kafle

Sandalwood is one of the exotic species of Nepal. Among all, Sandalwood (Santalum album) is found cultivated in a private land by local farmers. Sandalwood oil is used in perfumes, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and pharmaceuticals. The research was carried out to assess the growth performance of Sandalwood in particular soil condition in the Pyuthan district of Nepal. Four villages of Swargadwari municipality, Ward No. 3 of the Pyuthan district where large numbers of Sandalwood plants have been planted by local households on their private land, were selected. The objective of the study was to document the growth performance of sandalwood in terms of mean annual volume increment. Data collection was carried out through primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were collected through the diameter and height measurement of the Sandalwood tree by using a diameter tape, Abney’s level, and a linear tape. As supportive data source, secondary data were collected from different journal articles, yearly publications of the Division Forest Office, Pyuthan, Department of Forest and Soil Conservation, and Ministry of Forest and Environment. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results were presented in the form of a map, table, and bar graph. The highest mean annual height increment was 0.51 m/year at the age of 10 years; similarly, the lowest mean annual height increment was 0.44 m/year at the age of 16 years. The highest mean annual diameter increment was 1.009 at the age of 15 years; similarly, the lowest mean annual diameter increment was 0.97 m/year at the age of years. The highest mean annual volume increment was 0.004 m3/year at the age of 15 years, and the lowest mean annual volume increment was 0.001 m3/year at the age of 9 years. The result shows a gradual increase in the mean annual volume increment with age from the age of 9–15 years, and it shows a slight reduction at the age of 16 years as compared to that of 15 years.

Yudha Kristanto, Suria Tarigan, Tania June et al.

Heightened awareness of monoculture cacao's negative impacts has led to the adoption of multifunctional landscape approaches aimed at optimizing ecological, social, and economic outcomes in cacao plantations. This study outlines multifunctional landscape plans for the Rongkong watershed, addressing both land and landscape scales to support sustainable and regenerative cacao development. The landscape planning includes agroforestry-based land-sharing scenarios and land-sparing approaches, evaluated based on the synergy and economic value of ecosystem services provided. The cacao-durian-avocado agroforestry combination stands out as the most advantageous, offering synergistic benefits in provisioning and regulating services, along with substantial financial gains. This scenario yields higher values for FNPV, ENPV, FBCR, and EBCR, achieving up to 2.23, 1.66, 1.77, and 1.51 times the value of monoculture cacao in upstream areas, and 2.26, 1.61, 1.78, and 1.42 times in downstream regions. Additionally, managing this combination through land-sparing methods allows 0.4 ha per ha of agricultural farm to be saved while delivering equivalent benefits. At a broader landscape level, the cacao-durian-avocado model is promising when scaled to replace monoculture cacao, traditional agroforestry, and marginal lands. Nevertheless, it's essential to recognize that variations in biophysical and socioeconomic conditions can influence differences in land equivalent ratio (LER), net present value (NPV), and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) across multifunctional landscapes.

Liurong Yang, Yuanfa Li, Jie Lin et al.

Mixed-species planting promotes forest growth and enhances ecological functions. However, it remains unclear whether mixed forests are more conducive to fostering species diversity than monocultures over long time scales. To address this, we established fixed plots of 140 m × 40 m, 70 m × 50 m, and 70 m × 40 m in plantations of Mytilaria laosensis (Lecomte) and Michelia macclurei (Dandy) in southern Guangxi, China. We analyzed species composition and diversity characteristics using the Jaccard similarity index, principal component analysis and four traditional diversity indices. The results indicated: 1) The species composition similarity between mixed forest and monocultures was higher than that observed between monocultures. 2) As plot area increased, the species richness (SR) and Shannon diversity index (Hʹ) of stands and regenerations followed a power-law distribution, while species abundance increased linearly and evenness (EH) gradually decreased. 3) Regeneration was sparse in the M. laosensis stand but denser in the other two forests. 4) The majority of regenerations had a ground diameter (GD) smaller than 5 cm. Both SR and Hʹ decreased rapidly at first and then more slowly as GD increased, approaching 0, while the relationship between EH and GD was weak. Three out of four species diversity indices of the mixed forest were higher than those of the M. laosensis stand and the mean values of the two monocultures. These results suggest that planting patterns significantly alter the species composition and diversity of plantations, while emphasizing the importance of tree species selection in promoting species diversity.

Bin Liu, Jinrui Zhu, Xiaoman Ning

Bark beetles depend on detoxifying enzymes to counteract the defensive terpenoids produced by host trees. Insect ABC transporters play a critical role in the detoxification of insecticides and plant secondary metabolites. However, the specific functions of <i>ABC</i> genes in the metabolism of host allelochemicals remain unclear in <i>D. armandi</i>. In this study, we observed that verapamil significantly enhanced the mortality of host allelochemicals in beetles, indicating that ABC transporter genes are involved in the metabolism of monoterpenes by <i>D. armandi</i>. We then sequenced and characterized the full-length cDNAs of three <i>ABCH</i> subfamily genes (<i>DaABCH1</i>–<i>DaABCH3</i>) from <i>D. armandi</i>. Spatiotemporal expression profiling revealed that all three genes were upregulated during developmental transitions (egg to larva and pupa to adult) and tissue-specific enrichment in detoxification-related organs (Malpighian tubules, fat body, and midgut). Additionally, <i>DaABCH3</i> expression was detected in the hindgut and brain. Furthermore, <i>DaABCH1</i> and <i>DaABCH2</i> were significantly induced by treatment with α-pinene and limonene, whereas <i>DaABCH3</i> was induced by β-pinene and limonene. Importantly, silencing <i>DaABCH1</i> significantly increased mortality in adults fumigated with α-pinene and limonene. These results strongly suggest that <i>DaABCH1</i> acts as a key regulator modulating <i>D. armandi</i>’s sensitivity to host plant allelochemicals. This finding provides a conceptual basis for developing novel control strategies against this economically significant forest pest.

Xinru Yan, Ao Zhang, Yiming Guan et al.

<i>Panax notoginseng</i> is a perennial plant well known for its versatile medicinal properties, including hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, estrogen-like, and antidepressant characteristics. It has been reported that plant age affects the quality of <i>P. notoginseng</i>. This study aimed to explore the differential metabolome and transcriptome of 2-year (PN2) and 3-year-old (PN3) <i>P. notoginseng</i> plant root samples. Principal component analysis of metabolome and transcriptome data revealed major differences between the two groups (PN2 vs. PN3). A total of 1813 metabolites and 28,587 genes were detected in this study, of which 255 metabolites and 3141 genes were found to be differential (<i>p</i> < 0.05) between PN2 vs. PN3, respectively. Among differential metabolites and genes, 155 metabolites and 1217 genes were up-regulated, while 100 metabolites and 1924 genes were down-regulated. The KEGG pathway analysis revealed differentially enriched metabolites belonging to class lipids (“13S-hydroperoxy-9Z, 11E-octadecadionic acid”, “9S-hydroxy-10E, 12Z-octadecadionic acid”, “9S-oxo-10E, 12Z-octadecadionic acid”, and “9,10,13-trihydroxy-11-octadecadionic acid”), nucleotides and derivatives (guanine and cytidine), and phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid) were found to be enriched (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in PN3 compared to PN2. Further, these differentially enriched metabolites were found to be significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05) regulated via linoleic acid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, and arachidonic acid metabolism pathways. Furthermore, the transcriptome analysis showed the up-regulation of key genes <i>MAT</i>, <i>DMAS</i>, <i>SDH</i>, gallate 1-beta-glucosyltransferase, and beta-D-glucosidase in various plants’ secondary metabolic pathways and <i>SAUR</i>, <i>GID1</i>, <i>PP2C</i>, <i>ETR</i>, <i>CTR1</i>, <i>EBF1/2</i>, and <i>ERF1/2</i> genes observed in phytohormone signal transduction pathway that is involved in plant growth and development, and protection against the various stressors. This study concluded that the roots of a 3-year-old <i>P. notoginseng</i> plant have better metabolome and transcriptome profiles compared to a 2-year-old plant with importantly enriched metabolites and genes in pathways related to metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, and various biological processes. These findings provide insights into the plant’s dynamic biochemical and molecular changes during its growth that have several implications regarding its therapeutic use.

Ziwu Pan, Zunyi Xie, Liyang Wu et al.

The mitigation of the urban heat island effect is increasingly imperative in light of climate change. Blue–green space, integrating water bodies and green spaces, has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy for reducing the urban heat island effect and enhancing the urban environment. However, there is a lack of coupled analysis on the cooling island effect of blue–green space at the meso-micro scale, with previous studies predominantly focusing on the heat island effect. This study coupled the single urban canopy model (UCM) with the mesoscale Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) numerical model to simulate the cooling island effect of blue–green space in the Eastern Sea-River-Stream-Lake Linkage Zone (ESLZ) within the northern subtropical zone. In particular, we comparatively investigated the cooling island effect of micro-scale blue–green space via three mitigation strategies of increasing vegetation, water bodies, and coupling blue–green space, using the temperature data at the block scale within 100 m square of the urban center on the hottest day in summer. Results showed that the longitudinally distributed lakes and rivers in the city had a significant cooling effect on the ambient air temperature (Ta) at the mesoscale, with the largest cooling range occurring during the daytime and ranging from 1.01 to 2.15 °C. In contrast, a 5~20% increase in vegetation coverage or 5~15% increase in water coverage at the micro-scale was observed to reduce day and night Ta by 0.71 °C. Additionally, the most significant decrease in physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) was found in the mid-rise building environment, with a reduction of 2.65–3.26 °C between 11:00 and 13:00 h, and an average decrease of 1.25°C during the day. This study aims to guide the optimization of blue–green space planning at the meso-micro scale for the fast-development and expansion of new urban agglomerations.

Xinggang Chen, Zhuang Tian, Hongbo Zhou et al.

Mannan oligosaccharides (MOSs) are excellent prebiotics that are usually obtained via the enzymatic hydrolysis of mannan. In order to reduce the cost of preparing MOSs, immobilized enzymes that demonstrate good performance, require simple preparation, and are safe, inexpensive, and reusable must be developed urgently. In this study, β-mannanase was immobilized on calcium alginate (CaAlg). Under the optimal conditions of 320 U enzyme addition, 1.6% sodium alginate, 2% CaCl₂, and 1 h of immobilization time, the immobilization yield reached 68.3%. The optimum temperature and pH for the immobilized β-mannanase (Man-CaAlg) were 75 °C and 6.0, respectively. The Man-CaAlg exhibited better thermal stability, a high degree of pH stability, and less substrate affinity than free β-mannanase. The Man-CaAlg could be reused eight times and retained 70.34% of its activity; additionally, the Man-CaAlg showed 58.17% activity after 30 days of storage. A total of 7.94 mg/mL of MOSs, with 4.94 mg/mL of mannobiose and 3.00 mg/mL of mannotriose, were generated in the oligosaccharide production assay. It is believed that this convenient and safe strategy has great potential in the important field of the use of immobilized β-mannanase for the production of mannan oligosaccharides.

Ratih Widiyana, Taufan Purwokusumaning Daru, Apdila Safitri

Kerbau merupakan salah satu ternak penyedia kebutuhan daging setelah sapi di Indonesia. Di Pulau Lanting Kecamatan Jempang, Kabupaten Kutai Barat terdapat ternak kerbau yang potensial. Populasi kerbau di Desa Pulau Lanting pada tahun 2022 adalah 166 ekor. Permasalahan utama pengembangan kerbau di Pulau Lanting adalah  ketersediaan hijauan pakan. Hal ini berkaitan dengan pasang surutnya perairan di sekitar sungai Mahakam. Ketika pasang kerbau kekurangan hijauan akibat terendam, dan Ketika surut hijuan berlimpah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui jenis vegetasi tanaman pakan untuk kerbau yang dianalisis berdasarkan indeks nilai penting dan kapasitas tampungnya. Penelitian dilakukan melalui survey di lapangan. Berdasarkan hasil survey diperoleh 33 jenis tanaman yang berhasil diidentifikasi dan dimanfaatkan sebagai pakan ternak dengan total individu berjumlah 1.709 yang dilakukan melalui cuplikan seluas 100 m2 menggunakan kuadran 1 m x 1 m. Vegetasi yang ditemukan berasal dari 16 famili dengan jenis vegetasi tertinggi yaitu famili Poaceae. Nilai indeks penting (INP) tertinggi dengan nilai 26,089% dimiliki oleh tumbuhan  sapu manis (Scoparia dulcis). Kapasitas tampung padang penggembalaan di Desa Pulau Lanting sebesar 4,5 ST ha-1 tahun-1 dengan periode istirahat 240 hari dan periode merumput 120 hari. Berdasarkan hasil ini, Pulau Lanting masih bisa menampung ternak kerbau sebanyak 360,5 ST ha-1 tahun-1

Zhou Zhou, Lei Zhang, Jing Shu et al.

The development of rootstocks with a high-quality dwarf-type root system is a popular research topic in the apple industry. However, the precise breeding of rootstocks is still challenging, mainly because the root system is buried deep underground, roots have a complex life cycle, and research on root architecture has progressed slowly. This paper describes ideas for the precise breeding and domestication of wild apple resources and the application of key genes. The primary goal of this research is to combine the existing rootstock resources with molecular breeding and summarize the methods of precision breeding. Here, we reviewed the existing rootstock germplasm, high-quality genome, and genetic resources available to explain how wild resources might be used in modern breeding. In particular, we proposed the ‘from genotype to phenotype’ theory and summarized the difficulties in future breeding processes. Lastly, the genetics governing root diversity and associated regulatory mechanisms were elaborated on to optimize the precise breeding of rootstocks.

Fenfen Yan, Fenfen Yan, Yujia Luo et al.

Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.), a member of the genus Ziziphus, which comes under the family Rhamnaceae, is the most important species in terms of its economic, ecological, and social benefits. To dissect the loci associated with important phenotypical traits and analyze their genetic and genomic information in jujube, a whole-genome resequencing (WGR) based highly saturated genetic map was constructed using an F1 hybrid population of 140 progeny individuals derived from the cross of ‘JMS2’ × ‘Jiaocheng 5’. The average sequencing depth of the parents was 14.09× and that of the progeny was 2.62×, and the average comparison efficiency between the sample and the reference genome was 97.09%. Three sets of genetic maps were constructed for a female parent, a male parent, and integrated. A total of 8,684 markers, including 8,158 SNP and 526 InDel markers, were evenly distributed across all 12 linkage groups (LGs) in the integrated map, spanning 1,713.22 cM with an average marker interval of 0.2 cM. In terms of marker number and density, this is the most saturated genetic map of jujube to date, nearly doubling that of the best ones previously reported. Based on this genetic map and phenotype data from 2019 to 2021, 31 leaf trait QTLs were identified in the linkage groups (LG1, 15; LG3, 1; LG5, 8; LG7, 4; LG8, 1, and LG11, 2), including 17 major QTLs. There were 4, 8, 14, and 5 QTLs that contributed to leaf length, leaf width, leaf shape index, and leaf area, respectively. Six QTLs clusters were detected on LG1 (8.05 cM–9.52 cM; 13.12 cM–13.99 cM; 123.84 cM–126.09 cM), LG5 (50.58 cM–50.86 cM; 80.10 cM–81.76 cM) and LG11 (35.98 cM–48.62 cM). Eight candidate genes were identified within the QTLs cluster regions. Annotation information showed that 4 genes (LOC107418196, LOC107418241, LOC107417968, and LOC112492570) in these QTLs are related to cell division and cell wall integrity. This research will provide a valuable tool for further QTL analysis, candidate gene identification, map-based gene cloning, comparative mapping, and marker-assisted selection (MAS) in jujube.

Qiang Wu, Huan Liu, Yixin Shi et al.

<i>Ganoderma</i> (Ganodermaceae) is a genus of edible and medicinal mushrooms that create a diverse set of bioactive compounds. <i>Ganoderma lingzhi</i> has been famous in China for more than 2000 years for its medicinal properties. However, the genome information of <i>G. lingzhi</i> has not been characterized. Here, we characterized its 49.15-Mb genome, encoding 13,125 predicted genes which were sequenced by the Illumina and PacBio platform. A wide spectrum of carbohydrate-active enzymes, with a total number of 519 CAZymes were identified in <i>G. lingzhi</i>. Then, the genes involved in sexual recognition and ganoderic acid (GA, key bioactive metabolite) biosynthesis were characterized. In addition, we identified and deduced the possible structures of 20 main GA constituents by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS, including a new special ganochlearic acid A. Furthermore, 3996 novel transcripts were discovered, and 9276 genes were predicted to have the possibility of alternative splicing from RNA-Seq data. The alternative splicing genes were enriched for functional categories involved in protein processing, endocytosis, and metabolic activities by KEGG. These genomic, transcriptomic, and GA constituents’ resources would enrich the toolbox for biological, genetic, and secondary metabolic pathways studies in <i>G. lingzhi</i>.

Sergio Estrada-Villegas, Sergio Estrada-Villegas, Sergio Estrada-Villegas et al.

Lianas are a quintessential tropical plant growth-form; they are speciose and abundant in tropical forests worldwide. Lianas compete intensely with trees, reducing nearly all aspects of tree performance. However, the negative effects of lianas on trees have never been combined and quantified for multiple tropical forests. Here, we present the first comprehensive standardized quantification of the effect of lianas on trees across tropical forests worldwide. We used data from 50 liana removal experiments and quantified the effect size of lianas on tree growth, biomass accretion, reproduction, mortality, leaf water potential, sap flow velocity, and leaf area index (LAI) across different forest types. Using a three-level mixed-effect meta-analysis, we found unequivocal evidence that lianas significantly reduce tree growth and biomass accretion in ecological, logging, and silvicultural studies. Lianas also significantly reduce tree reproduction, recruitment, and physiological performance. The relative detrimental effect of lianas on trees does not increase in drier forests, where lianas tend to be more abundant. Our results highlight the substantial liana-induced reduction in tree performance and biomass accumulation, and they provide quantitative data on the effects of lianas on trees that are essential for large-scale plant demographic and ecosystem models that predict forest change and carbon dynamics.

Mohammad Azad Alam, Hamdan H. Ya, Mohammad Azeem et al.

In the study, Al7075-TiC composites were synthesized by using a novel dual step blending process followed by cold pressing and sintering. The effect of ball milling time on the microstructure of the synthesized composite powder was characterized using X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Subsequently, the integrated effects of the two-stage mechanical alloying process were investigated on the crystallite size and lattice strain. The crystallite size and lattice strain of blended samples were calculated using the Scherrer method. The prediction of the crystallite size and lattice strain of synthesized composite powders was conducted by an artificial neural network technique. The results of the mixed powder revealed that the particle size and crystallite size improved with increasing milling time. The particle size of the 3 h-milled composites was 463 nm, and it reduces to 225 nm after 7 h of milling time. The microhardness of the produced composites was significantly improved with milling time. Furthermore, an artificial neuron network (ANN) model was developed to predict the crystallite size and lattice strain of the synthesized composites. The ANN model provides an accurate model for the prediction of lattice parameters of the composites.

D. Pimentel

The aim of this volume is to collect and present available data, both published and unpublished, on energy use in agriculture and forestry production. Energy analyses for some sciences such as ecology are not new, but their applications to agriculture started in 1973. These analyses have grown rapidly in number and complexity. This handbook is intended for agriculturalists and others concerned with energy use in crop, livestock, and forestry production.

Shuizhong Wang, Kaili Zhang, Helong Li et al.

C-lignin represents an ideal feedstock for producing catechol derivatives. Here, the authors engineered an atomically dispersed Ru catalyst, which can cleave C−O bonds efficiently and circumvent C=C bonds hydrogenation selectively, thus leading to propenylcatechol in high yields with high TONs.

Lorien Nesbitt, M. Meitner, C. Girling et al.

Abstract Urban green equity, broadly defined as equitable access to and governance of urban forests, mediates urban residents’ ability to derive ecosystem services from urban forests. This article explores conceptions of, barriers to, and strategies for urban green equity as understood by urban forestry and related green practitioners in three multicultural cities in the US. Practitioners identified two principle dimensions of urban green equity: (1) distributional equity, and (2) recognitional equity. The key barrier to distributional equity was the perception of urban forests as amenities, while the key barrier to recognitional equity was multiple identities and urban forest priorities, reflecting existing theories of political ecology and social justice. The research identified and systematized additional sub-barriers to urban green equity and strategies used to overcome barriers in practice. While similar themes of urban green equity emerged across the study cities, key areas of disagreement provide important insights. Interestingly, practitioners identified and discussed distributional equity twice as frequently as recognitional equity, indicating a potential gap in understanding and use of the concept. As cities become increasingly aware of ecosystem services and urban green equity, this research can inform urban forestry and sustainability strategies.

E. Nambiar, C. E. Harwood, D. Mendham

ABSTRACT In Sumatra and Kalimantan in Indonesia and Sabah in Malaysia, the spread of two diseases, aggravated by damage by fauna, and by the humid tropical environment, has forced a change of planted species from Acacia mangium to Eucalyptus pellita and related interspecific hybrids, at a scale unprecedented in the history of plantation forestry. This experience highlights the risks of relying on any single species for large contiguous plantation estates in environments with endemic biotic and abiotic stresses. There is a need to transition to multiple-species plantation forestry, adopting the opportunities for changeover of species and varieties in short-rotation systems. Industry’s responses for coping with this rapid change have been helped by earlier collaborative research on acacia which promoted management practices that conserved site resources and avoided site degradation during the critical harvesting and inter-rotation phase. The current growth rates of E. pellita and its hybrids are lower than that of A. mangium. Estimates of production from plantations and expanding capacity of the pulp and paper mills highlight a risk of significant shortfalls in wood production. Improving the quality and consistency of forest operations and revision and refocussing of research and development are critical to set and achieve realistic targets for stable, incremental improvements in productivity. Each company should consider investing systematically in contemporary adaptive research for developing and applying integrated management practices that are efficient and feasible on large scales and suitable for their circumstances. There is also a critical need for research to understand the dynamics of local human capital and its relationships with the forestry sector, with focus on improving access to a stable labour force.

B. V. Wilgen, D. Richardson

Hasitha Karawita, Priyan Perera, Nihal Dayawansa et al.

The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) has a wide distribution in the Indian subcontinent and is a threatened species throughout its range due to hunting, poaching, trafficking, and destruction of natural habitats. Many rescue programmes for Indian pangolins have had limited success due to the paucity of literature on the diet, ecology and its behaviour. This study investigated the dietary composition and foraging habitat preference of the Indian pangolin in a tropical lowland forest-associated landscape of Southwest Sri Lanka. Five types of habitat were considered in this study: forest, rubber plantation, cinnamon cultivation, oil palm plantation, and tea-dominated home gardens/cultivated areas. The foraging intensity of Indian pangolin in the five habitat types was assessed using signs of foraging activities observed in five 10 × 10 m plots placed along a transect. Ten transects were established in each habitat assessed. The forest habitat was preferred in the studied landscape, followed by rubber plantations, the cinnamon cultivations, oil palm plantations and the tea-dominated home gardens/cultivated areas. Indian pangolins mostly predated on termites, as indicated by the number of feeding events on termitaria and termite-infested logs. Faecal content analysis further revealed that the undigested matter (by weight) was predominantly composed of grit (53.3%), insect matter (37%) and plant matter (9.7%). The digestibility of termite heads, mouthparts, abdomens, and legs was high compared to that of ants. This difference in digestibility was evident from the presence of significantly more heads, mouthparts, abdomens, and legs of ants in the faecal matter, compared to that of termites. However, undigested termite wings were frequently observed in the faecal matter. Termites of the genus Odontotermes and ants of the genera Oecophylla, Anoplolepis, Camponotus and Monomorium were the main prey species of the Indian pangolin in the studied area. The findings on the dietary composition have implications in captive rearing and husbandry of Indian pangolins. In addition to natural forests, the findings of the study suggest that human-modified agricultural lands adjoining forest also serve as important as foraging habitats for Indian pangolins, and such habitats should be considered in long-term conservation planning. Keywords: Indian pangolin, Foraging habitat preference, Faecal matter analysis, Termites