Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

Video Credit: CEN/@CAR_Cundi

This is the fascinating moment hidden jungle cameras spy two rare oncilla cubs sparring and a sleek jaguarundi wild cat strutting through undergrowth to scratch its back against a tree.

The small wild cats, native to Latin America, were filmed in the borough of Pacho in the central Colombian department of Cundinamarca.

The oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus), also known as the northern tiger cat and locally as ‘tigrillo’, is categorised as vulnerable by the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Picture Credits: CEN/@CAR_Cundi

The jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) is categorised as ‘least concern’ by the IUCN, although their numbers are said to be decreasing.

In the jungle footage, two cute oncilla cubs are seen sparring on the ground before running off into the overgrowth.

In another scene, the jaguarondi walks past and appears to stop to scratch against a tree.

According to officials from the Regional Autonomous Corporation of Cundinamarca (CAR), the two oncillas and jaguarundi appear to be in a healthy condition.

A spokesperson said: “The wild cats are fundamental for the region’s food chain and the populations of other local species.”

The wild cats were filmed by cameras set up by CAR officials for the state’s conservation programme, the ‘Preservation of Water and Lands Project’.

Project officials are constantly monitoring the footage to manage the wildlife and ecosystem in the region.

CAR spokesman Cesar Clavijo said: “The importance of this video is that you see the oncillas playing around, which means that their habitat is in a good state of preservation and they can develop their social behaviour through common activities.”