Tauntauns were a species of omnivorous reptomammals who were indigenous to the icy planet of Hoth. Tauntauns were commonly used as pack animals during the Rebel Alliance's stay at Hoth. Tauntauns were also used as patrol mounts when it was learned that the Rebel Alliance's own vehicles could not cope with the very cold weather.
Tauntauns kept their fawns in nests in order to protect them from the elements and from roaming predators, especially whitefang cats. Animal trainers used nectar-rich fruits to befriend and study tauntauns for the purpose of domestication. Generally non-aggressive, tauntauns were territorial and protective animals - when someone invaded their territory, they became very aggressive and could attack and drove away - or even kill - a lone wampa.