BanthaBanthas were sturdy and easily domesticated beasts of burden that were found all over the galaxy.
AnatomyThe bantha was one of the most adaptable herbivorous creatures in the galaxy and could be found on several worlds. They were able to survive in almost any extremes of environment and could go without food or water for several weeks. Although bantha subspecies have diverged from their baseline ancestors, most shared similar characteristics. They were quadrupeds that were covered with shaggy fur and had large curved horns. A common bantha adult (Banta majorus) was between two and three meters tall and could weigh up to 4,000 kilos. Their lifespan was between 80 and 100 years and they reached sexual maturity at the age of 20.
Bulls tended to be slightly larger than the cows and both genders grew a pair of spiral horns. Most female banthas achieved just a single spiral during their lifetimes, while a male could achieve two full spirals before its death.
The distinctive spiral horns of the bantha grew at the rate of a knob each year. Thickness and condition of the horns were an indication of the bantha's health and environment. Bulls fought each other by butting heads in ritual combat. The spirals on their horns could cause the pair to become entangled, which almost always meant death for both banthas, as the pair would soon collapse from exhaustion and eventually succumb to death by dehydration.
Banthas used their dexterous, sensitive tongue, as a sort of hand used in pulling up grass and shrubs from the ground. Also located on the tongue were breathing and scent spiracles which allowed the bantha to determine if an object was edible without stooping or reaching awkwardly. Male banthas raised their tongue as a way to signal their readiness to mate.
Banthas traveled in herds of up to twenty-five individuals, led by the oldest, strongest female. A herd which grew too large was split, with the second oldest and strongest female taking the new herd. The gestation period was 30 months and the newborn's birth weight was about 50 kilos.
Female banthas produced blue milk from mammary glands that was consumed by sentients as a drink.
SubspeciesThe bantha was domesticated on most worlds and were used for pulling heavy loads, transportation and even as war beasts. The meat and hide of the bantha were much sought-after. While the origins of the bantha were unknown, every world on which it existed laid claim to it as being its homeworld. Most banthas bred in captivity were trained as beasts of burden, and most of those were bred for desert environments. There were at least three distinct subspecies found on the planet Tatooine: the common bantha, the dwarf bantha, and the dune bantha. Noted for their docility, the dwarf race (also referred to as "miniature banthas") made amiable pets, as in the case of Ebenn Q3 Baobab's companion, Nuke.
Another additional subspecies, the Kashyyyk bantha, was suitably adapted for life on the Wookiee homeworld and the Kilian Bantha was adapted for living in the mountainous regions of Kilia IV.
Feral banthas were also found on Talasea where they developed a mean personality and roamed the forested world at will.
Swamp banthas were brought to Ohma-D'un to help colonize the planet.
Banthas on TantooineThe bantha was as much at home being used as transport by the Tusken Raiders, or Sand People, on Tatooine as it was on grassy plains and frozen tundra. When a Tusken Raider child reached the age of seven he or she was ceremonially presented with a bantha of the same age as a companion for life. The youth learned to care for the creature, and the two built a mystical bond between Tusken and creature. When the bantha reached maturity, the male Tusken Raider would saddle his companion and ride it into the desert for adult initiation ceremonies. When Tuskens married, the couple's banthas would also mate, and when the Tusken pair had a son or daughter, their banthas tended to have a calf of the same sex.
The banthas of Tatooine were known to form deep bonds with the Tusken Raiders of the planet and often committed suicide if their riders were to die first. Banthas which died naturally were placed in vast graveyards, which held a kind of ceremonial reverence with the banthas.
DewbackDewbacks were large, four-legged, omnivorous, cold-blooded reptiles native to the desert wastes of Tatooine. As such, they were well-adapted to the harsh desert climate. This and the fact that they could be easily domesticated, made them commonly employed as beasts of burden by both the inhabitants of the desert planet and the off-worlders wandering its dunes. Due to their numerous useful traits and versatility, they were quite possibly the most respected of all the creatures native to Tatooine.
Biology and Appearence
While they had a reputation for being solitary animals,[3] wild dewbacks were also known to roam the seemingly endless deserts of Tatooine in single-file packs of two to five, searching for food and moisture during the day.[4] During the hours between First Twilight and dawn, as temperatures dropped, the dewbacks would become sluggish because they were cold-blooded.[3] To remain warm and conserve energy, the dewbacks huddled together. The dew that accumulated on their backs during the night was both a source of moisture in the morning and the origin of the species's name.
Adult dewbacks stood at 1.3 to 2.1 meters in height and could reach lengths of 2 to 3 meters.[1] The special melanins contained within a dewback's hide, which cut down on the glare from the twin suns of Tatoo I and Tatoo II, preserved vital fluids and gave it the ability to go days without water and endure the extreme heat.[5]
Dewbacks began their days by licking the dew that had accumulated overnight off of the backs of the other dewbacks in their pack. While this ritual provided much-needed moisture for the animals, it also strengthened the bonds between the members of the pack.[5] The omnivorous reptiles would spend the day digging through sand dunes with their large teeth and sharp talons for grasses, underground tubers, desert sages, scurriers and baby womp rats. Solitary dewbacks would have to make do with chewing the roots of cacti for moisture.[1][5]
Because of their large size, dewbacks could often scare off smaller animals, if it came to a direct confrontation. Dewbacks could also fight if they confronted a krayt dragon, but the outcome of such a confrontation would disproportionately end in the latter top-level predator's favor, so the dewback's usual instinct would be to either run or hide.[3] Scavengers, such as woodoos were known to steal dewback eggs.[4] It was also rumored but not confirmed that whole swarms of skettos were capable of killing a dewback by draining it of its precious bodily fluids.
SubspeciesDewbacks originally evolved from aquatic creatures that had lived in the oceans of ancient Tatooine and were said to be distant cousins of thuvasaurs.[7][8] They could be classed into four subspecies:
The most common and recognizable subspecies was the lesser dewback. They were known for their relatively gentle nature and were the most easily domesticated of all the subspecies.[1]
Unlike the lesser dewback, the mountain dewback preferred to wander the more mountainous regions of Tatooine. Much like lesser dewbacks, mountain dewbacks possessed a calm disposition and could be domesticated.
Grizzled dewbacks were the largest known subspecies of dewback and were further distinguished from their smaller cousins by their patchy hides. Because of what appeared to be an insatiable appetite, they were considered to be dangerous to the other inhabitants of Tatooine. They could often be found stalking the Jundland Wastes in search of prey.[3]
Cannibal dewbacks fell between lesser dewbacks and grizzled dewbacks in terms of size. They were considered to be extremely aggressive to the point of being undomesticable and were notorious for eating newly hatched dewbacks—a behavior that gained them their name. The deaths of many settlers could be attributed to the fact that there were few differences in the coloration of the hides of lesser dewbacks and cannibal dewbacks.
History
Domestication
While it was simple to domesticate a dewback, it was far easier to domesticate one if it was raised from the egg.[4] A properly trained dewback would return the affections of its masters but the master would need to free it from captivity during mating season or it might hurt itself or others while it tried to escape to the Jundland Wastes. After mating, domesticated dewbacks usually would willingly return to their owners.
Mount and beast of burden
Though they were a primitive means of transportation, dewbacks were considered by the settlers of Tatooine to be better than walking if a landspeeder was unavailable at the moment.[12] In some cases, dewbacks could be more reliable than mechanical means because they more easily endured the scorching heat of the desert and didn't have engines and intakes that could be clogged by blowing sand.[13] They were employed by moisture farmers, local security forces and even offworld military organizations, (also due to the Dewback's ability to repel sand ticks) such as Imperial sandtroopers and a desert specialist team from the 4th regiment of the Alliance Special Forces as mounts and pack animals.[3][14]
Dewbacks were capable of speeds as fast as 50 kilometers per hour for short periods of time—a speed at which a sandcrawler could be overtaken.[2][5] Settlers also preferred dewbacks over banthas because they did not shy away from the challenges presented by sandstorms.[2] However, using a dewback for transportation did have an important drawback: as the local temperature decreased at night time, the reptiles became sluggish.[3]
Source of food and raw material
Dewbacks were also considered to be a source of food and clothing for the inhabitants of Tatooine. Dewback ribs were a popular foodstuff in Mos Eisley and dewback hides were used to make clothing, accessories and tents.[1][15] Settlers and Tusken Raiders alike hunted them, but unlike the settlers, Tuskens did not distinguish between wild and domesticated dewbacks. This practice did nothing to endear settlers to the Tuskens.[16] Filet of baby dewback with caper sauce and fleik-liver pâté was a luxury meal.
Krayt DragonThe krayt dragon, also called bull dragon, was a large carnivorous reptile native to Tatooine.
Characteristics and SpeciesKrayt dragons grew continuously throughout their lives to an average length of 45 meters and weight of 2,000 kilograms. They could live to be 100 years old and did not weaken appreciably with age. An Ancient Krayt Dragon is the oldest and biggest of all the Krayt Dragons. They can be found on the highest mountains of Tatooine.
A fierce hunter, the krayt dragon became an important part of indigenous cultures on Tatooine. The krayt dragon was thought by some xenobiologists to have descended from the Duinuogwuin (also known as Star Dragons). Although no substantial evidence was offered in support of a connection to the Duinuogwuin, the krayt dragon was a proven relative of the smaller kell dragon. In honor of the beast's sheer power and ferocity, the Jedi Order named the Shien and Djem So form of lightsaber combat "The Way of the Krayt Dragon."
When summer mating season began, the howls of krayt dragons filled the canyons of Tatooine. The collection of frenzied, mating beasts scared even the mightiest Sandpeople away. Obi-Wan Kenobi mimicked a krayt dragon mating call when he scared the raiders away from Luke Skywalker in 0 BBY.
Young Sandpeople would hunt krayt dragons in an initiation rite to prove themselves as warriors. [1]
The krayt dragon had a set of sharp teeth used for capturing prey, but relied on ingesting stones to grind the food through a series of gizzards into a digestible state. Food would be crushed by the stones tumbled in the gizzards by stomach muscles, grinding food into pulp and turning boulders into smooth stones. The resulting stones, known as dragon pearls, were a valuable commodity among jewelers. The pearls could also be shaped and tuned by Jedi to be used as focusing crystals in their lightsabers. Krayt dragons instinctively go to the Krayt Graveyard when they are about to die.
Krayt Dragons were heavily attracted to areas that were strong in the Force, especially the dark side. Some Sith artifacts, like the Tatooine Star Map, were guarded by krayt dragons.
Species
At least two species and several subspecies of krayt dragons existed.
The canyon krayt was a common species of krayt dragon that lived in the rocky caves and canyons of Tatooine's desert ranges. More often than not, the term "krayt dragon" referred to this lifeform. Patterns of horns and spikes appears to have varied from individual to individual. At least one canyon krayt was noted to have a two pronged tail.
The greater krayt, was a rarer, larger species of krayt dragon, known for its tremendous size and continual growth over time. Creatures of near legendary status, greater krayt dragons had ten legs, measured at least 100 meters from snout to tail tip and had the ability to move through or on Tatooine's desert sand. Greater krayt dragons attacked with their massive jaws or whip-like spike-tail, using their claws only to move through the sand.
In spite of its awesome power, the krayt dragon did have its weak and exploitable points. First, it had trouble resisting the allure of the prey of the Dune Sea, specifically the bantha; second, it had difficulty discerning two-dimensional images, often attacking shadows; and finally, a well-placed shot could bore right through the weak sinus cavity of the beast and hit the brain, killing it instantly.
The krayt could also secrete a lethal venom, either through its teeth or its spines. Although its nature is unclear, numerous underworld characters such as Bib Fortuna have admitted to using the substance to kill enemies.
Krayt Dragons in Tantooine Culture
The Sandpeople of Tatooine revered the krayt dragon as a powerful hunter and centered their primary maturity ritual on it. Adolescent males were abandoned in the Tatooine dune and only accepted back into their tribes as adults when they had slain a krayt dragon. Both the Sandpeople and Jawas placed the krayt dragon in the position of a powerful spirit, and believed that their bones possessed magic. Jawas brave enough to risk the acquisition of krayt dragon bones were held in high regard among their people.
A krayt dragon skeleton was on display in Bestine's Museum of Tatooine.
Revan, who was an amnesiac and searching for the Star Forge to stop Darth Malak, killed a Krayt Dragon with the help of Komad Fortuna in order to find an ancient Star Map. He collected the Krayt Dragon's Pearl, but what he did with it is unknown. He either gave it to the Sand People so he could be permitted to learn their history, or he may have kept it to make his lightsaber stronger.
A'Sharad Hett, a human Jedi who lived among the sandpeople with his father, took the name Darth Krayt after the dragons upon becoming a Sith Lord.
EopieEopies were herbivores native to the planet Tatooine.
Characteristics
The quadruped mammals were distinguished by their pale skin and long flexible snouts. An eopie's pale, white skin helped keep the creature cool by reflecting the intense rays of the planet's twin suns.
A special hinged skull allowed for a very flexible, elongated snout and a broader range for sharp incisors. Eopies got most of their moisture from desert lichens and tubers.
Eopies reached maturity around six standard years of age and their average lifespan was 90 standard years; however like most creatures, the animal would weaken with age. Young eopies were much more vulnerable to the harsh desert conditions of the twin-sunned world. Young eopies needed to consume more food than a mature one and were also unable to carry as heavy a load. Newborn eopies were slow and awkward and were preyed upon by some of the more dangerous creatures of Tatooine. Older eopies were kept by the planet's moisture farmers to eat desert weeds that absorbed the planet's already valuable moisture. They were also used as transports across the vast desert plains of the arid planet.
Eopies were renowned for their endurance and ability to carry a lot of cargo. They also had a reputation of being stubborn or grumpy creatures. This however, could be attributed to their owners, who often pushed these animals to the limit, packing them with extremely heavy loads.
Many breeds exist, including the dwarf eopie.
MassiffThe massiff was a reptilian creature found on Geonosis and Tatooine. The species' original world is unknown; however, the Geonosis and Tatooine populations were by far the most numerous. Canine in appearance with a armored hide, the beasts could be domesticated and used for sentry and guard tasks. On Geonosis, possession of a massiff was a sign of authority and aristocracy. The Geonosians and massiffs had a somewhat symbiotic relationship; in exchange for shelter, the creatures would rid the hives of pests. It was easy to tell the age of a massiff, for they grew a new pair of antlers every standard year.
History
In addition to being introduced to Malastare, the massiff was domesticated by the Tusken Raiders of Tatooine. Researchers believe that an interstellar freighter carrying the animals crashed in one of the planet's sandstorms around 222 BBY. The resulting slaughter by the Sandpeople left only one survivor, while a small portion of the massiffs were kept by the attackers. Their senses being attuned to the clear conditions of Geonosis, massiffs were useless as sentries in Tatooine's constantly blowing sand. Instead, they found their niche as camp defenders, attacking any intruders on sight. The presence of massiffs was a contentious one among the Tusken clans, as many felt that they were a departure from tradition. Because of this, warring clans would often try to slay each other's pets as gestures of insult.
The close proximity of Geonosis and Tatooine undoubtedly led to the migration of the creature from one world to another, most likely the result of careless traders introducing the animal into a new ecosphere. On Geonosis, massiffs were emblems of the Geonosian aristocracy, and domesticated massiffs were used to rid the hives of vermin. On occasion, massiffs were used in arena fighting. On Tatooine, they were similarly domesticated as camp guard animals.
RontoRontos were large, quadruped mammals that were commonly used as beasts of burden by the Jawas of Tatooine. They are known for their loyalty and strength, being able to carry hundreds of kilograms of weight. They were large enough to frighten off Tusken Raiders, though they were easily spooked by machines, such as speeder bikes. They were commonly used on Nubia and Benja-Rihn.
Characteristics
Like the native dewbacks of Tatooine, the ronto were easy to train and became quite fond of their masters. Rontos had superb senses of hearing and smell, although they had poor vision, which is why they were startled by sudden movements. Rontos needed large amounts of water, although their skins shed excess heat, allowing them to function well in desert conditions. They were rarely exported, though, because offworlders thought their skittishness made them unreliable in urban areas. Another reason the ronto was popular with the Jawas is that Jawas did not usually visit urban areas, so it was ideal for desert travel.
When in heat, female rontos gave off a powerful, musky scent much like the smell of a Rodian. During mating season, Rodians on Tatooine were encouraged to stay away from male rontos, as the rontos might think the Rodian was a female ronto.
WorrtThe worrt was an amphibious creature native to Tatooine. It was omnivorous, but was also known to attempt to eat rocks and metal objects, which led to the demise of many worrts. It used its long tongue to catch smaller prey, but would often try to attack creatures bigger than itself.
Worrts could, with great difficulty, be trained as housepets. Jabba Desilijic Tiure kept a number of worrts as pest control, exploiting the creature's lightning-quick tongue. The worrt counted the native ibian among its prey. Worrt venom tasted like tricopper and was strong enough to kill a bantha.
It was said that there were giant worrts - much larger than 1.5 meters in height - roaming the tops of the barren mountains of Tatooine.
A close relative of the worrt was the aggressive sevorrt.
SevorrtSevorrts were reptilian creatures with a leathery hide, native to the desert planet Tatooine. They were related to Worrts, but far more aggressive.
IbianA small amphibious creature native to Tatooine, the ibian fed on microscopic dust mites and insects. It was in turn preyed upon by the worrt. These small lifeforms could be recognized by their elongated orange-and-blue bodies, as well as their distinctive eye stalks. It is assumed that, like the amphibious gorg, ibians retained moisture by inhabiting abandoned profogg burrows, as such accounts did exist.
Gorg
Gorgs, known as chubas in Huttese, were small-sized amphibians that could be found on several planets, from the swamps of Naboo to the sewers of Tatooine. They were favored as food by many humanoid species, either dried, fricasseed, or roasted in manak leaves. In Huttese, "hot chubas" were called "hotsa chuba".
Gorgs on Tatooine could be found in three places: profogg burrows, encased in their hardened saliva cocoons; sewers, where harvesters bred them illegally; and gorgmonger farms.
Gorgmongers, such as Tatooine's Gragra, would root a gorg pod in an amniotic-like fluid and feed it a variety of things, including funnel flowers, razor moss—or even raw sewage. Soon, the specimen would lay eggs, which then hatched into tadpoles after several days. The gorgmonger would then separate these hatchlings from the adult (as adult gorgs will devour their young) and raise them to maturity. Only then could the amphibians be sold in the bazaar or marketplace.
When Gragra left Mos Espa to work elsewhere, this caused the gorg population in the sewers to grow considerably over the following years. Homeless people often fed on these gorgs.[2]
In 32 BBY—just out of curiosity—the Gungan Jar Jar Binks fetched a Gorg with his long tongue from Gragra's booth at the market of Mos Espa on Tatooine, and he was asked 7 wupiupi by Gragra for that.
The gorg was also a favored snack food of Jabba Desilijic Tiure. At the beginning of the Boonta Eve Podrace, Jabba bit off a gorg's head and spat it at a gong, signaling the start of the race.
There were many species of gorgs, including long-tailed, three-eyed, and four-eyed varieties.
