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Commonly used as a beast of burden, the bantha is a large quadruped. With their massive, spiral horns, banthas are an impressive sight. Their ability to adapt to different types of climates took the bantha to several worlds other than Tatooine, shrouding the beast's planet of origin in mystery. The bantha is a herbivore and, on Tatooine, must survive on the sparse vegetation found on the surface of the planet, mainly sandlichen mats that grow in protected hollows or just under the sand. Because of their size, banthas get to accumulate large reserves, which can allow the heavy creatures to survive for up to a month without food or water. Although they prefer to move around at a slow pace, banthas can run surprisingly fast when the need arises, and stories of dangerous bantha stampedes are heard throughout the galaxy. Wild banthas live in herds and show distrust of outsiders. Once tamed, however, banthas grow to enjoy the company of other species. Some of their masters return the sentiment, like the Sand People, who share a very special bond with their mounts on Tatooine. The bantha's meat is used for food, the skin and fur for clothing, while tools, ornaments and toys are carved out of the bones and horns. On a barren planet such as Tatooine, nothing is wasted.