Definition

Noun * A small chevrotain of southeastern Asia: Tragulus kanchil is the scientific name for a specific species of very small, even-toed ungulate mammal, commonly known as the lesser mouse-deer or kanchil. It is native to the forests of Southeast Asia.

Usage Notes

• This term is a scientific binomial (genus and species) and is used primarily in zoological, biological, and academic contexts.
• In general English, the common names "lesser mouse-deer" or "kanchil" are more frequently used.
• It is always written in italics, with the genus name () capitalized and the species name () in lowercase.

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The study focused on the feeding habits of Tragulus kanchil.
  • Researchers identified the specimen as Tragulus kanchil based on its cranial morphology.
• General/Descriptive Context:
  • The Tragulus kanchil is one of the smallest hoofed animals in the world.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metonymically to represent the characteristics of the species, such as its small size or elusive nature.
  • In the ecosystem, the Tragulus kanchil plays the role of a timid browser.

Variants and Related Words

• Kanchil (n): The common name for .
• Lesser mouse-deer (n): The most widely used English common name.
• Chevrotain (n): The general name for the family () to which this species belongs.
• Mouse-deer (n): A common name for animals in the genus .

Synonyms

• Lesser mouse-deer
• Kanchil

Different Meanings

• This term has only one specific zoological meaning and is not used in other contexts.

Noun

1. small chevrotain of southeastern Asia