Even when we weren't in one of her resting spots, she would sometimes hover over us, prompting us to move. Several times, when we were absorbed with photography, Goofyfoot sneaked up behind us and nipped our flippers. We would not be surprised if 1996 confirms Goofyfoot as an emergent male. The social behaviour of the turtles of Honokowai would indicate so. They are the ones who cluster most.
Males typically rest singly.
If the contagion is spread through contact and proximity, the different behaviour of the sexes makes females more vulnerable. To date, we have seen four cases of regression. One is a tagged adult female, Tutu . Two others were Nui and Estrelita, both thought female until their tails grew. The regression occurred as they were undergoing sexual maturity.