Sand rats constituted a specific variety of rat, distinguished by their secretive, reclusive lifestyle. Paz Vizsla, the Mandalorian, drew a parallel between sand rats and his tribe dwelling in a concealed covert following the Great Purge of Mandalore.
The initial mention of sand rats within canon occurred in "Chapter 3: The Sin," specifically the third episode from the inaugural season of the television program, The Mandalorian. This episode was originally broadcast on November 22, 2019.