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Related Experiment Videos

Semelparity in a large marsupial.

M Oakwood1, A J Bradley, A Cockburn

  • 1Division of Botany and Zoology, Australian National University, Canberra ACT, Australia.

Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|March 29, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Male dasyurid die-off after mating, previously linked to size and stress hormones, occurs in larger Dasyurus hallucatus too. This suggests size and corticosteroid levels aren't the sole drivers of post-mating mortality in these marsupials.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Animal Ecology
  • Physiological Ecology

Background:

  • Semelparity, or complete mortality after reproduction, is documented in small dasyurid and didelphid species.
  • This phenomenon was attributed to small body size, limited fat reserves, and intense mating efforts leading to elevated corticosteroid levels.
  • Elevated corticosteroids can cause detrimental effects like anemia, gastrointestinal ulceration, and immune suppression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the phenomenon of complete male die-off after mating in the larger Australian dasyurid, Dasyurus hallucatus.
  • To compare the physiological mechanisms underlying post-mating mortality in D. hallucatus with those of smaller dasyurid species.
  • To determine if elevated corticosteroid levels are a universal factor in male dasyurid post-mating mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Observation of Dasyurus hallucatus males during the mating season in tropical savannah environments.
  • Monitoring of physiological parameters including weight, fur condition, parasite load, and blood for anemia.
  • Analysis of hormone levels (testosterone and corticosteroids) and assessment for gastrointestinal ulceration.

Main Results:

  • Dasyurus hallucatus males exhibit complete die-off post-mating, similar to smaller species, with symptoms like weight loss, fur loss, parasite infestation, and anemia.
  • Unlike smaller species, D. hallucatus males maintain feeding during the rut and show no evidence of elevated corticosteroid levels.
  • Gastrointestinal ulceration was not observed in D. hallucatus males, contrasting with findings in smaller dasyurid species.

Conclusions:

  • The phenomenon of male die-off after mating in Dasyurus hallucatus is not solely explained by small body size or elevated corticosteroid levels.
  • The physiological drivers of post-mating mortality differ between D. hallucatus and smaller dasyurid species, indicating a lack of a universal explanation.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the specific factors contributing to semelparity in larger dasyurid species like D. hallucatus.

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