Pronunciation: [zˈaɡa͡ʊtˌi] (IPA) 
The word "zagouti" is spelled with a "z" followed by "a", "g", "o", "u", "t", and "i". Its IPA phonetic transcription is /zəˈɡuːti/. The /z/ sound at the beginning is followed by a short vowel sound in the /ə/ symbol. Then, the "g" and "o" produce the /ɡuː/ sound. The "t" and "i" make a soft sound, which is represented as /ti/. Overall, "zagouti" is a unique and interesting word that may not be commonly used in everyday language.
Zagouti, also known as the Cuban hutia, is a noun that refers to a large, herbivorous mammal native to the Caribbean island of Cuba. It belongs to the capromyid family and is characterized by its robust body, short legs, and long tail. The zagouti typically measures around 20-30 inches in length with an additional 11-17 inches for its tail, and weighs between 6-11 pounds.
With a stocky build, the zagouti has strong, muscular limbs adapted for climbing trees and foraging on the ground. Its fur is composed of a blend of coarse guard hairs and much softer underfur, which helps protect it from environmental elements. The zagouti's coloration varies, but it generally displays a mix of brown and gray tones.
This nocturnal animal is primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of vegetation, fruits, and nuts. It is an adept swimmer, making use of its long, slightly flattened tail to navigate through water bodies. Typically a solitary creature, the zagouti builds nests in burrows, rock crevices, or hollow trees.
Due to habitat loss and hunting, the zagouti population has experienced significant declines over the years. Efforts have been made to protect and preserve this unique mammal by establishing protected areas and promoting conservation initiatives. Its role as an important herbivore in its ecosystem highlights the need to safeguard its existence to maintain ecological balance in Cuba.
