Researchers have recorded what may be the first ever footage of elusive wild sand kittens in Africa.

The elusive African felines have outrun scientists for years. Native to the Sahara Desert, wild sand cats don't leave much of a trace. They clean up the remains of their prey and have small footprints that are difficult to track.

These kittens were spotted in the Moroccan Sahara. Researchers believe they are between 6 and 8 weeks old. The Moroccan government gave the researchers a permit to radio-collar 13 of the cats.

The new findings will help conservationists protect the species and learn more about these mysterious nocturnal animals.