They don't know what the Hell that thing is. They don't know what it eats (if it eats to begin with), or what it's after, running through the endless dunes of Aryatis (Panther empire's home planet). They never found any carcass or indicator of reproduction. They can only assume it's even a living being; hence why, they call it a genie.

In itself, it appears to be completely harmless, just running around without once trying to interact with the people that see it in any way. But even before the metallic spring noise of its feet can be heard in the distance, witnesses all hear a buzzing noise in their ears that have been reported to cause headaches.

youtu.be/VH0Js8qdnyA