Researchers from the University of Sunshine Coast and the University of Queensland have discovered why male quolls are dropping dead from marathon sex sessions.

Male northern quolls are travelling long distances each night, sacrificing their sleep in order to mate with as many females as possible.

Senior Lecturer in Animal Ecophysiology from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Dr Christofer Clemente, says the male quolls are only resting for 7% of the day.

“Their body starts to lose condition, they starve to death and that’s eventually what kills them,” Dr Celmente told Millsy and Karl.

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