A year ago, AA lamented that in Costa Rica, land full of wonderful anoles, there was scarcely an anole piece of merchandise for the anole-entranced ecotourist to purchase. More recently, we commented that not only was the same true in the Dominican Republic, another bastion of anolishness, but that tourist marts were full of merchandise sporting green iguanas, an invasive species in that country.
On my recent trip to Aruba and Curaçao in quest of A. lineatus, I took time out to survey the lizard merchandise situation. Intrepidly venturing into one souvenir shop after another, powering through crowded stalls in outdoor crafts marts, I comprehensively surveyed the supply of schlock, tchotke and junk. It wasn’t easy, but I got through it all. And the result is clear: despite their prehistoric ugliness, green iguanas are all the rage.
Iguanas out of control in the ABC Islands.
The sole example of anole merchandising in the islands. Though small, the anole image clearly steals the show
In the entire length and breadth of Aruba, there was not a single toteki keepsake to be found (toteki is a local name for A. lineatus). Curaçao was hardly better, sporting a single photo of a displaying male in a collage on a plastic table mat (upon which I now eat my Lucky Charms). Otherwise—zippo. No hats, no shirts, no figurines, no caps; not even an anole shot glass. What is wrong with these people? And what will it take to get some anole mementos manufactured? It’s a sad thing when hope dies, and it’s really taking the fun out of shopping.
There was, however, one bright spot in this otherwise dismal foray. While visiting the quite nice Arikok National Park in Aruba, I noticed a sticker affixed to the inside of a frosted glass window inset in a door. Throwing manners to the wind, I barged in on the ranger to photograph the front side of this glorious decal. Apparently, some Dutch West Indians know a quality reptile when they see one!
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Dan Warren
The anoles have their revenge in Curacao, though; there are restaurants where you can order iguana, but I have yet to find one where you can order anole.
Emma Sherratt
I decided to do some virtual searches of my own…
How’s about an anole truckers cap here
or one with the chinese symbol (?!) for anole here
Seems like on that site you can have those images on virtually any item! Not particularly nice images, but it’s the thought that counts!
Uwe Bartelt
dont be sad
ask ebay worldwide, keyword anole, and you find some nice anoles….