Pronunciation: [tˈɛlɪdˌuː] (IPA) 
The word "Teledu" is spelled as /tɛˈlɛdju/. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word clarifies that the stress is on the second syllable and the "d" sound in the first syllable is pronounced as a "ʤ" sound, similar to the "j" sound in "jump". Teledu is a Welsh word for "television" and is used in scientific names for certain species of mammals, such as Lutra lutra teledu, the European otter found in Wales.
Teledu is a term that refers to an extinct carnivorous mammal belonging to the family Mustelidae, endemic to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. It was a nocturnal creature that inhabited dense tropical forests and was closely related to members of the weasel and ferret family.
The teledu, scientifically known as Mydaus teledu, was characterized by its stout, low-slung body, short legs, and a long tail. It had a robust head with small eyes and sharp teeth. The teledu typically had a black or dark brown fur coat, occasionally with a white patch on the back. It had a strong, musky odor, similar to that of a skunk.
Teledus were primarily insectivorous, preying on a variety of insects, grubs, and worms. They were equipped with sharp claws and powerful jaws, enabling them to dig and forage for prey underground. Additionally, they had well-developed anal scent glands that emitted a powerful odor when threatened or excited, serving as a defense mechanism.
Due to habitat loss and deforestation, the teledu is now considered extinct. Limited information about this elusive creature makes it challenging to assess its ecological significance and behavior accurately. However, the teledu remains an important piece of Sumatra's natural history, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect other unique and vulnerable species in the region.
The word "Teledu" comes from the Welsh language, meaning "far off" or "remote". It is a combination of "tel-" meaning "far" or "distant", and "-edu" meaning "from". In Welsh, "teledu" is commonly used to refer to television.
