Kowakians, sometimes called monkeys, or Kowakian monkey-lizards, constituted a reptilian species of semi-sentient beings frequently kept as pets by individuals involved in the criminal underworld. Notable Kowakian owners included Jabba Desilijic Tiure, Hondo Ohnaka, and Emil Graf. Certain Kowakians demonstrated the ability to wield weaponry, such as a blaster, and in the instance of Pikk Mukmuk, a pirate tank. One member of this species even became a bounty hunter, famously delivering the Wookiee Chewbacca into the custody of the Galactic Empire. They shared a lineage with the significantly larger Kowakian ape-lizard. Their appearance often led to them being mistaken for vermin. These monkey-lizards exhibited considerable intelligence and could replicate nearly any language.
The Kowakian monkey-lizards were mischievous beings originating from the planet of Kowak. They were recognized by their piercing laughter and sophisticated appreciation for humor. A prominent Kowakian monkey-lizard was Salacious B. Crumb, who fulfilled the role of court jester within Jabba's Palace during the reign of the Galactic Empire.
By the year 3 ABY, these monkey-lizards had inadvertently become part of the Akiva ecosystem. Their capacity to thrive on almost any form of sustenance resulted in a rapid increase in their population across the planet. The Akivan monkey-lizards would target settlements and travelers within the planet's jungles, with the intent of stealing their provisions and valuables.
Roasted Kowakian monkey-lizards were available for purchase on Nevarro. Upon the arrival of bounty hunter Din Djarin in Nevarro City, he encountered a stall selling roasted monkey-lizards, where a living monkey-lizard was caged and appeared frightened. Later, under the governance of High Magistrate Greef Karga, Nevarro experienced improvements, and monkey-lizards could be found living peacefully in the trees of Nevarro City, with the practice of roasting them having ceased.
In 34 ABY, several [olive brown](/article/color] monkey-lizards were employed at Vranki the Blue's Hotel and Casino, wearing small blue hats and orange collars as uniforms. They performed various duties, including retrieving items for Vranki. They launched an attack on Neeku Vozo, a visitor from the Colossus, after discovering he was providing instructions to Kazuda Xiono to improve his chances of winning the race against Team Vranki. They dislodged the datapad Vozo was using to monitor the course, and he became so engaged in defending himself that he was unable to warn Xiono about upcoming obstacles. Despite their efforts to distract him, Vozo managed to disable the laser cannons on the finish hoop, enabling Xiono's victory. They persisted in attacking Vozo even after the race concluded, eventually permitting him to depart with the other residents of the Colossus.
Circa 34 ABY, Kowakian monkey-lizards were imported to the Batuu and sold as pets within the Creature Stall located at Black Spire Outpost.