Storm Dragon (Chinese Dragon)
Nimibiaquidus tempestus
Size: 50'
Recognition: Long serpentine body with broad fur mane. Markings vary by region.
Habitat: Northern Asian highlands and mountains.
Classification: Draco/Terradraciforme/Nimibiaquidae
/Nimibiaquidus/n. tempestus
Also Known As: ChineseDragon, Thunder Dragon
The Storm Dragon is a creature that has been imbued with centuries of powerful legend, but is today one of the rarest of the dragon species. A large predatory flightless dragon in the family
Nimibiaquidae, the Storm Dragon lives in the alpine regions of the Asian continent stretching from the north in Siberia to as far south as the Tibetan Plateau. Its thick pelts of fur insulate the dragon in the harsh arctic climates it favors and the twin antlers, (unique to the male only) are used in mating competitions between rivals. In the winter months the Storm Dragon will migrate south to find nesting lairs. The long whiskers, tongue and unique nose structure give the storm dragon the ability to travel and hunt in blinding weather conditions, attacking prey undetected. This habit of moving silently and invisibly through the clouds of fog and snow that blanket the Asian highlands have led to the Storm Dragon's name and fed the mythology of many of its supernatural abilities.
Hunting for large game such as elk, caribou, and yak, the Storm Dragon is a powerful animal that has become the very symbol of power itself in many Asian cultures. In China the Storm Dragon is synonymous with the emperor and graces many works of art. Come to represent good fortune and prosperity the Storm Dragon is loved and feared around the region.
In the small
Himalayan country of Bhutan, the Storm Dragon is known as the Thunder Dragon and is emblazoned on their flag. Such mythological importance is placed on the dragon there that the ruler of Bhutan is referred to as The Dragon King, and its inhabitants called The People of the Thunder Dragon. The Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Bhutan is the largest nesting grounds of the Storm Dragon.
Today, with the industrialization of much of its habitat,
and the loss of many of its natural hunting and breeding grounds, the Storm Dragon is endangered. It is believed that there may be as few as 500 specimens living in the wild. Efforts by the Chinese government to breed the dragon in captivity have all failed. With effort, this beautiful, majestic and powerful creature will hopefully survive for centuries to come.
Below: Historical images of the Storm Dragon:
To view a selection from the book or purchase
Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia
©2009William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.
To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Size: 25'
In 1066 William the Conqueror reintroduced the riding dragon to England where today's breeds begin their lineage. During the middle ages the monarchy prided itself on a formidable dragon force, and many knights used riding dragonettes as their mounts. During the crusades many knights returned to England with Arabian breeds that were additionally added to English breeding stock. King Henry V is known to have rode an early English dragonette into battle at Agincourt. Even Oliver Cromwell is documented as having used the riding dragon during his campaigns.
The Spitfire is most famous for coming into its own during WWI. At the height of the war in 1914 there were over 1000 Spitfires on active duty, performing reconnaissance missions over enemy held territory. Sadly however the slow flying, unarmored dragons were easy prey to the new weapons and by the end of the war only a few dozen still remained having been completely eclipsed by airplanes. In WWII it is no coincidence that the most beloved and famous fighter aircraft was dubbed The Spitfire.
Size: 30'
The most dangerous species of the Wyvern family of dragons, the North American wyvern has become synonymous with danger. First recorded in 1805 in what is now Yellowstone National Park by the Lewis and Clark expedition. The animal has quickly become both hated and admired for its ferocity. Making its natural habitat in the North American Rocky Mountains stretching from Utah up into Canada, the NA wyvern is the largest predator in its environment hunting bison, elk, and caribou as it is available. The NA wyvern may live in packs of up to a dozen individuals hunting in teams, bringing down several prey at a time. The male wyvern is the primary hunter bringing kill back to the lair for females and hatchlings to feed. In the fall rutting season, the male wyvern's unmistakable wing spots grow more vibrant and are used in complex displays to attract females.
Size: 5'
below: Historic images of the Amphiptere:
Size: 50'
The Storm Dragon is a creature that has been imbued with centuries of powerful legend, but is today one of the rarest of the dragon species. A large predatory flightless dragon in the family Nimibiaquidae, the Storm Dragon lives in the alpine regions of the Asian continent stretching from the north in Siberia to as far south as the Tibetan Plateau. Its thick pelts of fur insulate the dragon in the harsh arctic climates it favors and the twin antlers, (unique to the male only) are used in mating competitions between rivals. In the winter months the Storm Dragon will migrate south to find nesting lairs. The long whiskers, tongue and unique nose structure give the storm dragon the ability to travel and hunt in blinding weather conditions, attacking prey undetected. This habit of moving silently and invisibly through the clouds of fog and snow that blanket the Asian highlands have led to the Storm Dragon's name and fed the mythology of many of its supernatural abilities.
Today, with the industrialization of much of its habitat,
