Hidden cameras find promising signs of Amur tiger comeback in China

Footage of a rare Amur tiger playing with her cubs has been captured in inland China, showing the endangered big cat making a comeback in the country, wildlife experts have said.

Hidden infrared cameras caught the cubs - estimated to be around a year and a half - pouncing and play-fighting as their mother keeps watch.

Amur tigers are largely found in Russia, and this footage - recorded just under 20 miles from the Chinese-Russian border - is the first video of the animals so deep into China, according to conservation charity WWF.

The cats were one found throughout northern China and the Korean peninsula as well as in Russia, but by the 40s they had been driven to the brink of extinction by hunters, with less than 40 left in the wild.

But after years of intensive conservation work, helped in large by Russia awarding the animals full protection, there are now 400 in Russia and another 18 to 20 around the border areas of China.

Efforts have included restoring habitats for the tigers' natural prey and reintroducing deer to the region, as well as work to prevent them being poached.

Senior figures at WWF welcomed the promising signs contained in the video.