Australian researchers discovered two new species of rodent-sized marsupials known to have sex up to 14 hours straight during mating season and die of stress. One of the species is already in danger of extinction, reports said.
Wildlife biologists discovered two new species of the tiny antechinus in south-eastern Australia: the Mainland Dusky Antechinus and Tasman Peninsula Dusky Antechinus. The latter is already meant for the threatened species list shortly after discovery, partly because of its sex-loving nature, but mainly of climate change.
The species are now mostly found in the misty mountains where the temperature is colder, but in terms of species survival, there is still predation and habitat loss to contend with, according to a study published by the Queensland University on June 1, Monday.
Moreover, its "suicidal sexcapades" apparently contributes to the species' vulnerability, lead researcher Andrew Baker said.
The annual breeding period of two to three weeks is like a "speed dating" to these tiny marsupials. The males fight one another to mate with as many females as they could for a period of nearly 14 hours. This unusual mating behavior is a result of testosterone levels shooting up, causing stress hormones to increase as well, Dr. Baker said.
This stressful sexual activity eventually causes internal bleeding and loss of hair in patches among males. They die even before the females start giving birth, USA Today reported.
The two new additions make five species of Australian antechinus, three of which are in danger of extinction. This is the reason Dr. Baker seeks assistance from the Tasmanian Government to protect the threatened species.