A Linear Dominance Hierarchy in Female Nubian Ibex

We monitored agonistic interactions amongst a group of individually marked, free-ranging female Nubian ibex (Capra ibex nubiana) in the Negev Desert highlands of southern Israel. Seven agonistic behaviours were defined, and the frequency and outcomes of dyadic interactions were analysed to estimate social structure and to compare rank with age and morphological variables. Most agonistic behaviours took place during the early morning and late afternoon when the animals were actively moving and feeding. The outcomes of agonistic bouts revealed a significant linear dominance hierarchy among a core group of 13 adult females, and among an expanded group that included ≤ additional females that had temporary affiliations with the core group. Dominance relationships remained stable for at least 1 yr. Social rank correlated positively with an index of absolute aggression, and with age, horn size, and other morphological traits. There was no clear relationship between rank and type of agonistic interaction.