This species of sex -mad marsupial literally kills itself making love.

The rare antechinus loves nookie so much it doesn't eat or sleep for a fortnight - often dying from exhaustion as a result.

Recent findings reportedly suggest the animal's love fest is an attempt by each male to spread their genes as widely as possible.

But the mammoth effort involved means males are more prone to infections, ulcers, and even internal bleeding, Quirker reports.

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This intense sexual activity is reportedly driving the species towards extinction, with half of all adults dying during mating season.

If the antechinus disappears it could have serious knock-on effects on other species.

Some plants depend on the animal to assist their pollination.

These species could die out without the sex-mad antechinus to assist them.

"It's very possible some of these beautiful species could go extinct," biologist Thomas Mutton is reported to have said.

"There are many species at risk in Australia and it's really something I think as a society we need to think about more deeply."