ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Meet Yoshi, a gecko you can find at Tanglewood Nature Center! 

Native to the deserts of Western Africa, geckos store their fat in their tail that is used as a defense mechanism in the wild. Similar in the way camels have humps, Yoshi has his tail to store most of his food.  

Their other defense mechanism is helpful when escaping predation. If they come across a predator, their tail is used as a distraction as a potential meal. If a predator were to try and take a bit, geckos can detach from their tail if needed.  

Because geckos are accustomed to warm temperatures, Tanglewood Nature Center can mimic his natural habitat as much as possible and use heat lamps to keep them warm in the appropriate temperature. This is especially important since they are cold blooded and rely on their temperature from the outside environment.  

Both in the wild and in captivity geckos are considered insectivores, meaning insects are their main and only diet that range from mealworms, crickets, cockroaches, etc.  

This year’s summer camp program at the nature center is just weeks away, with the first session beginning July 1. If you were unable to register your child in time, it is still encouraged to stop by and visit their pet ambassadors like Yoshi!