11institutetext: Knowledge-based Systems and Document Processing Research Group Faculty of Computer Science Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg 11email: katrin.krieger@ovgu.de
2.2. Individual capture and measurement
In 2021, a total of 125 D. splendidum lizards were captured using manual and noose techniques during their peak activity periods from July to August between 10: 00 and 16: 00 hours. Sex determination relied primarily on assessment of dorsal color patterns and the presence or absence of a hemipenis bulge. Snout-vent length (SVL) was measured using a digital caliper (Ningbo Deli Tools Co., Ltd.) to nearest 0.01 mm. Based on preliminary anatomical data from D. splendidum specimens, individuals with an SVL greater than 67 mm were classified as adult females, those with an SVL greater than 71 mm were classified as adult males, and the remaining individuals were categorized as juveniles. Each lizard was assigned a unique identification number for tracking purposes. Capture location was marked with uniquely coded plastic cards to facilitate subsequent habitat data collection and release at the original capture sites. After collecting morphological and habitat data, all lizards were released back into their respective capture sites.
2.3. Habitat data collection
Upon locating a lizard, a 5 m × 5 m experimental plot was established, centered on the stationary point of lizard activity. Additionally, a control plot of the same size, representing potential available habitat, was randomly selected within surrounding area using the random riprap method. After excluding data with significant errors and strictly adhering to matching rules, a total of 219 plots were selected, consisting of 94 used plots and 125 selected plots. Eleven ecological factors were assessed in each plot using corresponding survey instruments, including seven numerical ecological factors and four classified ecological factors (Table 1). The definition and classification of each ecological factor followed criteria outlined in previous studies (Yang et al., 2019; Farha et al., 2020; Table 1).
Table 1 Categorization of ecological factors investigated in this study