Sex and age differences in habitat selection of the mountain dragon lizard (<em>Diploderma splendidum</em>) from Western China

Habitat selection in animals results from a careful balance of individual requirements, environmental conditions, and ecological disturbances. Preferences can vary across sexes and ages due to differences in survival and reproductive priorities. Despite this variability, most studies have traditionally focused on isolated aspects of either sex or age-related differences in habitat selection, rather than considering a comprehensive range of influencing factors. The mountain dragon lizard (Diploderma splendidum) exemplifies a species adapted to shrub habitats in the dry-hot river valleys of the lower Jinsha River, western China, playing a crucial role in regional ecosystem stability. In this study, we examined the influence of 11 ecological factors on habitat selection by male and female D. splendidum across two distinct age classes (juvenile and adult) to explore sex and age-related disparities. The lizards showed considerable similarity in habitat preferences but notable differences in ..., , , # Data from: Sex and age differences in habitat selection of the mountain dragon lizard (*Diploderma splendidum*) from Western China We have submitted our raw data (**Data.xlsx**), the specific code of habitat selection analysis of Diploderma splendidum (**code.R**). #### Description of the data and file structure ### **Data.xlsx** * ID: Serial numbers issued in sequence * Individual number: Individual collection number * Sex: female or male * age: adult or subadult * plot: Subsequent data collection: whether the plots are experimental or control plots * Tree height (cm): Vegetation height within the plot where the individual was found * Perch height (cm): The specific height of the vegetation in which the individual was found * Distance from nearest water (m*)*: The straight-line distance from the discovered individual to the nearest water source * Distance from nearest road (m): The straight-line distance from the discovered individual to the nearest road * Light intensity (Lux):...,