It lives in small herds of four or five females, guarded jealously by a male. The most apparent difference between males and females is in their horn structure. The males have flat, bony plate-like horns which they use to buffet one another in their frequent fights for herd dominance. The females' pointed pyramidal horns are much more deadly and are used to defend themselves and their young against predators. While the herd grazes, the male normally stands on a promontory watching for signs of danger. When he sees an intruder the male signals by erecting his long, flag-like tail and the herd makes for the shelter of a nearby crag or cave.