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Scaly Tauntaun

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this unusual variation on the standard tauntaun evolved on Hoth as a hairless species, despite the obvious advantages of a layer of fur. Unlike its surface-dwelling cousins, though, the scaly tauntaun lived in small herds well below the surface, where they sought out geothermal vents and bubbling hot springs. They seemed to be able to follow the slightly sulfur atmosphere produced by the springs and upwellings, burrowing tunnels where necessary to reach a new cave. These traits made the scaly tauntaun a target of scientific investigation for two reasons: research didn't have to be done in the bitter cold of Hoth's surface, and scaly tauntauns provided an example of a highly-efficient energy processor. They used very little heat in their daily activities, trapping as much as possible within their bodies. This may have allowed them to keep their underground lairs warmer than usual. Scaly tauntauns were extremely skittish creatures, and bolted for the safety of their lairs whenever a wampa appeared.