Calling all anole researchers and enthusiasts! We have a unique opportunity this fall that I would like to suggest we capitalize on. The Caribbean PARC (Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation) meeting and the Puerto Rican Herpetology Symposium are currently being planned, tentatively for October 14-15 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. I recently discussed with one of the organizers, Alberto Puente, the possibility of combining these two meetings with an Anole meeting. After all, it’s been 5 years since our 2018 meeting in Miami, so we are due for another meetup!

We had a great group of 68 attendees at the last Anolis symposium, held in Miami, Florida in 2018.

I’m here to gauge your interest, but first, let me sell you on the merits. I know October is only a few short months away, but combining forces with these other two groups in beautiful, anole-laden Puerto Rico has its benefits:

  • Researchers from all over the Caribbean will be in attendance, with a strong effort by the organizers to bring in herpetologists from Cuba and Dominican Republic.
  • There is tons of anole research in Puerto Rico by local researchers and tons of great herpetology as well! It will be a great opportunity to learn about local research and conservation efforts and build connections with students and professors at the extensive UPR system.
  • By combining forces we can have a much bigger and diverse meeting!
  • Puerto Rico has anoles! and bat hunting boas! and dwarf geckos! So many amazing herps! There will be herp outings!
  • We are working on arranging transportation and affordable options for housing.

Convinced? Fill out this poll and if there is support for this plan then I will take on organizing it (of course, anyone who wants to help out, let me know!). The format of such a meeting is still up in the air – integrate fully? have one day per group? parallel sessions? … So leave your feedback, advice, suggestions, warnings about how much work this will be, enthusiasm for the idea, offers to help, etc. in the comments below!

Anolis krugi (photo by K. Winchell)
Anolis evermanni (photo by K. Winchell)
Anolis cuvieri (photo by K. Winchell)
Anolis gundlachi (photo by K. Winchell)
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