A new species of marsupial has been discovered that could even put rabbits to shame when it comes to extreme sexual proclivities. The black tailed antechinus is known to engage in continuous mating activities that causes the male half of the species to die from exhaustion.
Unlike other antechinus species, the black tailed variants all have long black tails, yellow-orange backsides and black five-fingered feet.
"Comparing it to the Dusky Antechinus, which inhabits south-east Australia, we thought it was probably new," said Dr Andrew Baker, a professor from the Queensland University of Technology.
Baker spearheaded the research team that identified the new type of antechinus. The team has now found a total of three new antechinus species at the Springbrook National Park in Queensland, Australia. The team found their first black tailed antechinus back in May last year.
"We laid about 300 traps baited with peanut butter and oats," Baker said. "When we caught the first black-tailed antechinus in a trap, we knew we were onto something pretty special."
While the sexual escapades of the black tailed antechinus may seem extreme, they are not limited to this specific species. In fact, various other antechinus species are also known for the en masse dying of males during mating seasons. These extreme sexual encounters are said to last as long as 14 hours at a time.
"Antechinus males and females are highly promiscuous; males mate for long periods of time with many females to promote their own genes," said Baker. "A single female's brood of young will typically be sired by several fathers. But during mating stress hormone levels rise dramatically, eventually causing the males' bodies to shut down. The males all die before their young are born."
While the discovery has caused excitement for many mammalogists around the world, the small populations of these little black tailed marsupials are also a cause for concern. Due to the alarming numbers, Baker and his team are currently in the process of applying for an endangered species listing for the newly discovered antechinus. The team published its findings in the online journal Zootaxa.
Each year, scientists continue to find new species of insects, spiders or fishes. However, finding a totally new species of mammal is getting more and more difficult. Despite the odds, Baker and his team are still optimistic that they will be able to find more new mammals at the Springbrook National Park.
"The Gondwanaland rainforest relic at Springbrook is special and unique," Baker said. "It would not surprise me if there are other animals that are new in that area. Such things are about place not species."
