Viral transmission is most successful when density of hosts is high. While we cannot extrapolate to other turtle sites on Maui or the Hawaiian Islands, we can comment on the Honokowai population. There, we notice that adult males do not congregate much with other turtles. For the most part, the turtles we see are sociable and enjoy resting together.
Juveniles like to cluster with older females.
We can't tell females from males until the male's tail begins to grow, so we think of most smaller turtles as females. When the tail starts to grow, the maturing male changes his behaviour. Where he once enjoyed the company of other turtles, he becomes reclusive, less tolerant of other turtles, and of course us. Estrelita and Nui in particular were friendly, confident turtles when we first met them. They would rest closely alongside other turtles.