Varactyl/Legends

The varactyl, also known as dragonmounts, were reptillian herbivores native to the planet Utapau, though some specimins found their way to worlds such as Taris and Kashyyyk.

Biology
They had beaked faces and long, powerful tails. The varactyl's flexible neck supported its armour-plated skull, and both male and female dragonmounts had crests and a ridge of mid-body spines displayed during courting ritual. Females have green and blue skin and feathers, while males are completely brown. Most important were the varactyl's five-clawed feet. Not only could a varactyl run at very fast speeds, but their claws were adapted to climbing the rocky walls of Utapau's sinkholes. This marked the varactyl as an excellent mount for the native Utapauns.

History
Long ago, the stunted Utai learned to tame wild varactyl, and still served as wranglers for the dragonmounts, acting as keepers of both varactyl and their flying dactillion cousins. Varactyl were known to be loyal and obedient steeds. Riding a varactyl was reportedly similar to riding the speedy suubatars of Ansion. Both creatures were fitted with high-backed saddles for their riders.

In order to track down General Grievous, Obi-Wan Kenobi used a particuarly swift and loyal varactyl named Boga. In record time, Boga reached the tenth level of Pau City, and engaged General Grievous in his wheel bike in a furious chase through the city. However, Boga was killed by sacrificially absorbing an AT-TE's main cannon blast to protect Obi-Wan Kenobi when Commander Cody executed Order 66.

At some point during or before the Galactic Civil War, someone had brought a live varactyl egg to Kashyyyk. When the egg was subsquently lost, it hatched and soon dozens of varactyl populated a section of jungle on the Wookiee homeworld.

Appearances

 * Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
 * Star Wars Galaxies: Rage of the Wookiees