with the "beneficent" mythological creature is an advantage for the species. Unlike dragons in myths of the Western Hemisphere, the Chinese dragon is portrayed as a symbol of "royal power and good fortune", frequently helping and saving people. It is able to swim in water or air. The relatively harmless nature of the Chinese alligator is believed to have been an influence for the helpful nature of the dragon. The fact that the alligator ends its brumation when the rainy season begins and returns to its burrows when the rainwater in rivers recedes, as well as the fact that it lives in bodies of water, may be the reason for the dragon's portrayal as a water-related mythological creature. Alligator drums may have been used to simulate the species' vocalizations during the mating season, which humans associated with the dragon's "power of summoning rainclouds". See also Wildlife of China Animal communication Notes References Book sources External links Alligatoridae Endemic fauna of China Reptiles of China Critically endangered fauna of Asia Reptiles described in 1879 Pleistocene crocodylomorphs Pleistocene reptiles of Asia Crocodilians of Asia Pliocene reptiles of Asia Extant Pliocene first appearances Critically endangered fauna of China