By the time mating season begins, the male antechinus has already stopped making sperm, so it needs to empty its stockpiles. This comes in a wild frenzy, trying to mate as much as physically possible. He ignores food and sleep, and seeks only to mate. Testosterone and stress hormone levels are at an all time high, fur begins to fall out, internal bleeding sets in, and the immune system fails, allowing gangrene to set in. Even after he is completely disheveled, he still seeks another mate, up until his dying breath. The mating season is 2-3 weeks long and culminates in the death of every antechinus male. More info: bit.ly/15TtqG5 Photo via: Alan Couch
Posted on: Fri, 17 Jan 2014 22:05:06 +0000
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