Meet Australia's newest suicidally-sexed marsupials
June 2, 2015 2:36 PM Subscribe
Scientists in Queensland have discovered two new species of carnivorous marsupials, and raised another from subspecies to species status. Unfortunately, the little guys are at risk from climate change and habitat loss. Also: the males are screwing themselves to death.
According to researcher Dr. Andrew Baker:
"The breeding period is basically two to three weeks of speed-mating, with testosterone-fuelled males coupling with as many females as possible, for up to 14 hours at a time.
Ultimately, the testosterone triggers a malfunction in the stress hormone shut-off switch; the resulting rise in stress hormones causes the males' immune systems to collapse and they all drop dead before the females give birth to a single baby.
This yearly male suicide mission, which halves each antechinus population, means the mums have enough spiders and insects to eat while they raise the next precious generation. But the future of each species is entrusted to the mothers alone."
According to researcher Dr. Andrew Baker:
"The breeding period is basically two to three weeks of speed-mating, with testosterone-fuelled males coupling with as many females as possible, for up to 14 hours at a time.
Ultimately, the testosterone triggers a malfunction in the stress hormone shut-off switch; the resulting rise in stress hormones causes the males' immune systems to collapse and they all drop dead before the females give birth to a single baby.
This yearly male suicide mission, which halves each antechinus population, means the mums have enough spiders and insects to eat while they raise the next precious generation. But the future of each species is entrusted to the mothers alone."
The breeding period is basically two to three weeks of speed-mating, with testosterone-fuelled males coupling with as many females as possible, for up to 14 hours at a time.
Since when do Australian marsupials visit South Padre Island? That's a little far north, don't you think?
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 2:57 PM on June 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
Since when do Australian marsupials visit South Padre Island? That's a little far north, don't you think?
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 2:57 PM on June 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
From Wired:
Ecologist Andrew Baker of Australia’s Queensland University of Technology, who studies these critters’ astonishing habits, has even picked up a copulating pair, who ignored him entirely and went about their business in his hands.posted by Kabanos at 3:09 PM on June 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
At least they die doing what they love
posted by mrbigmuscles at 3:12 PM on June 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by mrbigmuscles at 3:12 PM on June 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
This yearly male suicide mission, which halves each antechinus population, means the mums have enough spiders and insects to eat while they raise the next precious generation.
Cue MRA freakout...
posted by MCMikeNamara at 3:20 PM on June 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
Cue MRA freakout...
posted by MCMikeNamara at 3:20 PM on June 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
Though he mostly does wombats, the chap with this twitter account also does cute antechinus pics
posted by Flitcraft at 3:24 PM on June 2, 2015
posted by Flitcraft at 3:24 PM on June 2, 2015
From Wired:
Dude. Andrew. Boundaries!
posted by indubitable at 3:42 PM on June 2, 2015
Ecologist Andrew Baker of Australia’s Queensland University of Technology, who studies these critters’ astonishing habits, has even picked up a copulating pair, who ignored him entirely and went about their business in his hands.
Dude. Andrew. Boundaries!
posted by indubitable at 3:42 PM on June 2, 2015
At least they die doing what the one they love
A little romance, please.
posted by Joe in Australia at 4:05 PM on June 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
A little romance, please.
posted by Joe in Australia at 4:05 PM on June 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
Zapp Brannigan approves.
posted by pibeandres at 4:24 PM on June 2, 2015
posted by pibeandres at 4:24 PM on June 2, 2015
Right before they die you can hear them yell: TOP HAU5!
(you might have to exist on a college campus to appreciate this comment)
posted by sbutler at 4:30 PM on June 2, 2015
(you might have to exist on a college campus to appreciate this comment)
posted by sbutler at 4:30 PM on June 2, 2015
I had a delightful (Australian) lover I called Antechinus. He didn't much look like one.
I think I should probably give him a call.
posted by b33j at 6:21 PM on June 2, 2015
I think I should probably give him a call.
posted by b33j at 6:21 PM on June 2, 2015
So I guess you could say, they fuck until they have no fucks left, and thusly they fuck themselves off and die. I guess it beats being eaten or decapitated by your mate.
posted by aydeejones at 8:24 PM on June 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by aydeejones at 8:24 PM on June 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
Livin' the dream, lads, livin' the dream.
posted by Halloween Jack at 9:17 PM on June 2, 2015
posted by Halloween Jack at 9:17 PM on June 2, 2015
And so, my fellow Antechinuses, ask not what fuck you can give, but what you can give for your fuck.
posted by Kabanos at 9:21 PM on June 2, 2015
posted by Kabanos at 9:21 PM on June 2, 2015
> Ultimately, the testosterone triggers a malfunction in the stress hormone shut-off switch
/r/me_irl
posted by Phssthpok at 9:38 PM on June 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
/r/me_irl
posted by Phssthpok at 9:38 PM on June 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
Seriously, if this "keel over and die" thing is ANYTHING but having your heart give out as the result of the most intense orgasm, then this fursona is not for me.
posted by hippybear at 1:24 AM on June 3, 2015
posted by hippybear at 1:24 AM on June 3, 2015
Zapp Brannigan approves.
DEATH BY SNU-SNU!
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 9:58 AM on June 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
DEATH BY SNU-SNU!
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 9:58 AM on June 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
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