Bantha

Genus Bantha, commonly known as banthas, were a genus of large, shaggy ungulates native to many worlds throughout the galaxy. Their original homeworld was ambiguous among scientists, as they were found on many worlds with little explanations of their origin. However, Tatooine was generally accepted as their "homeworld." Banthas were easily domesticated, and used as beasts of burden throughout the galaxy, especially on Tatooine, by Tusken Raiders. Bantha species included the common bantha, the Kashyyyk bantha, the dune bantha, the dwarf bantha, the Kilian bantha, the swamp bantha, and the feral bantha.

Biology and appearance
All banthas were perissodactylans, which meant they were hooved, with an odd number of toes (in banthas' case, three). Species of bantha native to Tatooine developed long, shaggy fur to combat the heat of the day, and the cold of some nights and seasons. Bantha fur was composed of special compounds that reflected thermal energy, that actually cooled down the animal. During the cold nights of cooler seasons, the fur acted as a coat, keeping the bantha at constant, comfortable temperatures.

Both male and female banthas although larger in males, possessed large horns, that were usually spiraled. These horns grew around a segment every standard year. Males utilized these horns in ritual combat, butting heads and ramming into each other. The thicker and stronger these horns were, the more healthy the bantha was.

Unique for most ungulates, banthas possessed long, thick tails, which was used in heat regulation and assisted in mating. All banthas possessed unique, fully prehensile tongues, that featured two gripping knobs. Female banthas produced blue colored milk, due to a blue biological pigment that assisted in the development of the heat-reflective compound, found in their hair.

All banthas were viviparous, and preferred to mate during cooler climate.