According to behavioural studies the gemsbok have a social order in which dominance within the herd is established by posturing
displays with emphasis on the horns and shoulder mass, not by fights.
Newcomers are not easily tolerated. Fights often start beween newcomers and other members of a group. The fights are usually
short and low in intensity. The powerfull horns of a gemsbok can cause serious damage to an opponent, therefore a ritualized
way of fighting has been established to avoid injuries to the combatants.