proboscis monkey; long-nosed monkey
Refers specifically to Nasalis larvatus, known for its large nose. The Japanese name literally means 'tengu monkey', after the long-nosed tengu goblin.
Proboscis monkeys live on the island of Borneo.
The proboscis monkey's large nose is thought to have developed to attract females.
Katakana spelling is standard for this animal name; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling exists but is rarely used; the word is normally written in katakana.
Compound of 天狗 (tengu, a long-nosed goblin) and 猿 (saru, monkey), referring to the monkey's distinctive nose. The exact derivation is straightforward; the katakana spelling follows biological naming conventions.