5. CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, this study identified tree height, perch height, light
intensity, vegetation density, vegetation type, and substrate status as
the primary determinants of habitat selection for the mountain dragon
lizard in the hot-dry river valley ecosystem of the lower Jinsha River
Basin. Other environmental factors and interspecific interference were
not found to be limiting resources. These findings suggest that the
mountain dragon lizard may serve as a valuable environmental indicator
for ecological changes and conservation efforts. However, further
research is needed to determine the sensitivity of this species to the
temporal migration.
Based on the results of this study and the challenges encountered during
field experiments, several recommendations for artificial vegetation
cultivation in the lower reaches of the Jinsha River are proposed. 1)
Given the harsh natural environment downstream of the Jinsha River in
Leibo County, most areas consist of forested land or sandy terrain.
While these conditions support basic survival and reproduction, they
constrain hiding and feeding opportunities. Implementing artificial
planting on degraded land can provide broad-leaved forest habitats, thus
increasing food abundance and concealment opportunities. 2) During
artificial tree planting, it is important to retain the grass and shrub
conditions around the trees to enhance vegetation coverage and increase
canopy density, particularly for the survive of female lizards. 3) Land
reclamation should be restricted to prevent habitat fragmentation.
Reclaimed land should be planted with diverse vegetation types to not
only increase food abundance but also help lizards avoid predators.
These recommendations aim to improve habitat conditions for the mountain
dragon lizard and support conservation efforts in the lower Jinsha River
Basin.