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.