Strill

Strills were highly intelligent, carnivorous Mandalorian hunting animals.

Biology and appearance
Strills had six legs and large, fanged mouths. Their bodies were about one meter long, lengthened by a whip-like tail, which, like the rest of their bodies, was covered in blubbery, loose flaps of skin. The skin was not bare, but covered with short fur, of a gold tan color. Though this is the only color mentioned for the species, other colors or hues may have been in existence. The majority of this loose skin was used as flaps for gliding and flying; they could soar great distances and carry incredible loads while gliding and/or flying. This was noticed when Mird, the beloved pet of Walon Vau, had carried the dead body of Perrive across two buildings on Coruscant during an anti-terrorist operation. Most were known for their horrible smell due to the fact that they made no attempts to clean out their folds of excess skin. Strills lived much longer than standard humanoids (around 200-260 years approximately), and were hermaphroditic, that is, they had both male and female reproductive organs.

Behavior
Strills made a variety of noises, including baying while hunting and moans or whines to indicate distress. They would also grumble or even squeak to show delight. Strills drank milk and preferred to eat their kill after a hunt. They were extremely loyal and protective over those who would see themselves as their masters, but were also quite independent and territorial. Most beings saw these creatures as fearsome predators, as they were, but they were surprisingly excellent with children. Strills can sense when an expectant mother is ready to give birth.

History
Due to the species' relatively long lives, well-trained strills were often passed down through Mandalorian families as a family tradition. Walon Vau had a pet strill named Lord Mirdalan before and during the Clone Wars, which was later passed down to Jaing Skirata. Lord Mirdalan was very fond of Etain Tur-Mukan's child, Venku Skirata and would build nests for the baby, to the disgust of Ordo Skirata, as they were usually made out of his bed sheets and clothes. It seemed like Venku Skirata and Mird had worked out an understanding; the baby would babble nonsense at it and Mird would rumble, leave the room, and later appear with blankets to make a nest for Venku.

Appearances

 * Republic Commando: Hard Contact
 * Republic Commando: Triple Zero
 * Republic Commando: True Colors
 * Order 66: A Republic Commando Novel
 * Imperial Commando: 501st
 * Sacrifice
 * Revelation