2.1. Survey region
This study was conducted in the lower Jinsha River valley, situated in
Leibo County (28. 16°N, 103. 34°E), Sichuan Province, Western China. The
region features a typical subtropical mountainous climate, characterized
by distinct seasonal variations and notable diurnal temperature
fluctuations. Annual average precipitation measures 900 mm, with
approximately 1 250 hours of sunshine each year. The lizards
predominantly inhabit exposed rocks and sparse brush, with a high
population density of approximately 10 lizards/ha. Vegetation primarily
consists of shrubs (e.g., Rumex acetosa L. and Trema
cannabina dielsiana ) and small trees (e.g., Leucaena
leucocephala , Jacaranda mimosifolia , Ficus virens , andDodonaea viscosa ), interspersed with many planted forests (e.g.,Citrus reticulata and Zanthoxylum piasezkii ).