Mammals vary wildly in how many babies they have—some give birth to just one at a time, while others can have dozens in one go. Since newborns rely on their mother’s milk, litter size often matches the number of teats. But some species really push the limits, giving birth to hundreds of Offspring in their lifetime. Here are the top 10 mammals that have the most babies in their lifetime:
1. Naked Mole Rat – 900+ Offspring
The naked mole rat queen can potentially give birth to over 900 pups in her lifetime! The queen is the only one who can give birth in her colony. Others serve as a support system and help raise her litters. This eusocial lifestyle allows the naked mole rat queen to maximize reproduction.
2. European Rabbit – 360+ Offspring
Rabbits are well known for their rapid breeding. A female can give birth almost every 30 days, producing up to 12 kits per litter. Owing to its lifespan of a couple of years and being able to conceive right after giving birth, these rabbits can potentially give birth to over 360 babies in their lifetime. However, survival rates depend on predators and the environment.
3. Norway Lemming – 190+ Offspring
Although lemmings are very tiny in nature, their females can get pregnant at just two weeks old and can have up to eight litters in over 12 months. A single lemming can have an average of six young per litter, potentially giving birth to more than 190 babies over its lifetime. Unfortunately, many fall prey to harsh winters and predators.
4. Tailless Tenrec – 100+ Offspring
This Madagascan mammal currently holds the world record for the largest litter size of any mammal—32 babies in one go! While they might not give birth as frequently as other rodents, their large litters rapidly add up, leading to a potential 100+ babies in a lifetime, depending on survival rates that vary in the wild.
5. Cats – 100+ Offspring
Both feral and domestic cats are fertile breeders. A female cat can get pregnant from an early age, at just five months old, and give birth to multiple litters each year. They can have up to 12 kittens per litter and over 10 years of lifespan; some estimates suggest one cat can produce more than 100 offspring in her lifetime.
6. Dogs – 100+ Offspring
Similar to cats, dogs can have as many as 15 puppies at once! Dogs possess the ability to give birth all life long, with multiple litters per year. Some dogs can give birth to over 100 puppies. However, this depends on the breed of the dog, its health, breed, and a number of other factors.
7. Virginia Opossum – 108 Offspring
Opossums give birth to tiny, underdeveloped babies that can fit into their mother’s pouch. A female opossum can give up to 13 joeys per litter and several litters per year, totaling over 100 babies in her short lifetime of about two years.
8. Nine-Banded Armadillo – 40-50 Offspring
Armadillos can only have one litter per year, but because they can surprisingly live longer, they can give birth several times, up to 50 babies. Their survival is threatened by predators and habitat conditions.
9. Pigs – 50+ Offspring
Pigs are incredibly productive breeders, with sows capable of giving birth to up to 20 piglets in one litter! Due to environmental and predation challenges, wild pigs often have fewer litters per year, unlike domesticated pigs, who can have two or more litters. They can produce well over 50 piglets in a lifetime.
10. Shrews – 50+ Offspring
While these tiny mammals may not live longer than other mammals on this list, they sure do make up for it with fast reproduction! They breed continuously, giving birth to up to 6-7 litters per year with five or more pups each time. Some species can even go up to 6-7 litters per year. In their short lifespan, shrews can have over 50 babies.
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