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