Dragons

Dragons have undergone several changes over the past 157 years.  They seem to have maxed out in size, not being noticably larger than the ones existing during the 9th pass of Pern.  The population has drastically decreased.  A much smaller number are needed in the current society on Pern, and flights have become less frequent and the clutches smaller as a result.  There are an average of 60 dragons hatched per turn currently and the golds only fly once every 12-18 months. 

Dragons have taken to whatever roles their riders have decided to adapt to.  They are still most commonly found in communications and transportation.  The telegraph makes their uses in communication less in the central regions of the northern continent and the plains regions of the Southern Continent.    In transportation they are unparalleled, though getting goods shipped by Dragon is quite expensive, so while it is an option, only certain merchants offer such a luxury.  People are easier to arange shipment for.

The harpers have used them to help with thoroughly mapping all of pern, the aerial view being perfect for such a thing.  Unfortunately it is a slow process, even with the maps provided by AIVAS.  Pern has changed much since then.   Dragons have spread across the southern continent, but as the eastern and western islands have not yet been inhabited, nor has the far western continent, dragons have not moved there either, though it is said there are a plentitude of firelizards, and even some wild whers and whersport.

More information:
Dragon Physiology
Dragon Cycles (details)
Dragon Lengths

Total dragon population is 1417 dragons of various ages.
8-Golds (2 not breedable) (.6%)
103-Bronzes (7.3%)
261-Browns ( 18.4%)
342-Blues (24.1%)
703-Greens ( 49.6%)

**These numbers will be updated as the game progresses.