Dragon

Dragons were extremely large and powerful reptilian animals which were capable of using elemental breaths. It currently seems as though they were hunted to extinction.

Basic Information

Growth Rate & Stages

It is believed by the professors of draconology that only female drakes can become dragons. A dragon is much more powerful than a drake, can fly whereas a drake cannot, and is substantially larger. Both are quite intelligent and territorial. Drakes are very pact-oriented where dragons seem to be very isolationist. It is not precisely known what causes a female drake to become a dragon and exactly what the differences between the two are.

Ecology and Habitats

Dragons preferred to live in old ruins, cave complexes, and atop mountains.

Civilization and Culture

History

Centuries ago, while the Tevinter Imperium still ruled over much of Thedas, dragons existed. There was great fear surrounding dragons due to their power and destructive capabilities. They wielded the ability to destroy towns with little to no contest.
After fearing them for long enough, the Nevarran Pentaghast family started training to combat dragons. They sent heralds out in every direction from Cumberland and had them instruct everyone who would listen to destroy ruins and cave complexes that were near them, so as to force dragons out from their hiding places and minimize the chance they nest near settlements. The Pentaghast family trained hard and eventually became skilled enough to be able to cut down dragons. This family hunted them to extinction. Their extinction has been well understood by scholars for several centuries.
One interesting note points out that perhaps that commonly held belief isn't true. During the Battle of Riverdane, Orlesian troops were massacred in the Frostback Mountains by a very powerful dragon even though they were thought extinct by this point in history. This event was one of the reasons Orlesian troops had to give up on fighting the Ferelden rebels. This showing of a dragon has left most scholars stupefied as to whether or not they are extinct or not.
Spoiler: Campaign 1

The belief that dragons had been extinct was proven incorrect to the Wardens time and time again. First, Dematrigon Enginn and Camhlen encountered and killed one in the Hunterhorn Mountains near the Anderfels. Second, the Warden high-command discovered a massive dragon living in the Deep Roads. This was also killed. Lastly, and most importantly, the Warden high-command was told by Faineth that dragons did not go extinct. Instead, they only created the illusion they did by instead going into a hibernation-like state in at a place called the Silent Grove. It is unknown where this place is.
When Faineth left the presence of the Warden high-command, she left in the form of a dragon. It is believed that she merely changed her shape to do so rather than being an actual dragon itself.

EXTINCT

Conservation Status

While they were alive, dragons were actively hunted to extinction with no regard to conservation due to the threat they posed against growing civilizations.