Population status
As with the Dalyan population little detailed information is available concerning absolute numbers,distribution and behaviour, population age structure and trends, and reproductive behaviour. However,at 11:00 am a visit to the lake in front of the Hotel ThermeMaris encountered a large group of T.triunguis swimming around close to the Hotel, with two individuals seen hauled out on muddy banks under vegetation on the distant shore. There were estimated to be some 42±3 individuals present, with carapace lengths of approximately 50-80 cms. The turtles stayed around the feeding point over the next hour, gradually moving away and leaving the surface waters as the floating ‘mud’ (used for therapeutic purposes at the spa) accumulated. Subsequent observations in the area where the lake discharges into
the river, in the river itself, and in the area where the river enters to sea, encountered no turtles, or evidence thereof.

One observation that might be of significance to the conservation of this species is that many of the individuals observed (including those seen at Dalyan) have white markings on their skin and shells (see picture). Although those carrying many such markings did not appear to behave any differently from those that did not, these markings might be fungal in nature or signify a nutritional disease. Chelonians are known to be subject to diseases, infectious and otherwise (Flanagan 2000), and, given that it is an important factor in natural selection (Bush et. al 1993), it would be wise to investigate this phenomenon.
Human-Trionyx triunguis interactions
Feeding
The lake in front of the Hotel ThermeMaris is a regular feeding point for T. triunguis, where signage advises visitors to give them only bread. This group was clearly habituated to human presence and to being fed, with individuals tending to aggregate below where people positioned themselves, and making no sudden dives in response to human movement. Some intra-specific aggression was observed (both male-on-male and female-on-male), although not in the context of feeding, because no food was provided, yet no aggressive behaviour was seen being shown toward a single adult Stripe-necked Terrapin (Mauremys caspica), which was swimming amongst them and which, with a carapace length of ~20 cms., was much smaller than all the T. triunguis specimens present.