In the lead up to the mating season (December–January), the male Numbat’s sternal gland (at the top and middle of the chest) exudes an oily substance which turns the fur red. It is also very pungent. Males rub their chests over surfaces such as logs and rocks to advertise to females that he is looking to mate.

How do numbats mate?

In the lead up to the mating season (December–January), the male Numbat’s sternal gland (at the top and middle of the chest) exudes an oily substance which turns the fur red. It is also very pungent. Males rub their chests over surfaces such as logs and rocks to advertise to females that he is looking to mate.

How often does a numbat reproduce?

We found that females have one litter per year but can be mated two or three times in the breeding season if they fail to conceive or lose their young.