Kivaroa were massive creatures, standing at a height of five meters with a smooth hide and eight legs. The native Tsevukans of the planet Tsevuka were known to ride them. Approximately 11 years prior to the Battle of Yavin, a band of Tsevukans launched an ambush on Grand Moff Tarkin's transport during his visit. However, the Grand Moff managed to escape in the transport before the kivaroa could force him to stop.
John Jackson Miller conceived the Kivaroa for the 2015 short story "Bottleneck", which is considered canon and was featured in the compilation The Rise of the Empire.