Excessive reproductive activity could be a threat to the survival of some animal species. Recent studies have shown that too much reproductive activity can lead to a number of problems, including reduced fertility, decreased number of offspring, and even death.
In this article we will explore this phenomenon, focusing on a specific animal species that may be at risk.
We will find out how excess reproductive activity can affect the health and survival of these animals, and what can be done to prevent their decline. Browse the photo gallery to find out which species it is.
This animal species is threatened with extinction because of a "vice" it just can't seem to deprive itself of: reproductive activity.
By Michael Barritt & Karen May - Flickr, taken by Michael Barritt & Karen May, CC BY-SA 2.0,
According to university research published in the journal Royal Society Open Science the male of this species prefers mating rather than resting, and this has serious consequences.
We are talking about the "Quoll", a species native to Australia and New Guinea, belonging to the Tasmanian devil family.
While females of Quoll live about four years, the situation is very different for the male. Males, although their own bodies can provide them with a longer life span, voluntarily forgo rest to mate.
This species during the mating season goes into premature death from exhaustion due to lack of rest. The Quoll reach a testosterone peak in July: this causes the male of this species to mate continuously, resulting in death.