Olfactory communication is important and is carried out through urination, defecation, and pedal scent glands. Animals of all ages and both sexes defecate at a communal dung heap. Deposition of scent apparently aids males in determining the availability of receptive females. Breeding occurs throughout the year. A male accompanies an estrous female intermittently for several days.
Courtship often involves a lengthy chase of the female and severe fighting.
The calf suckles frequently up to 12 months of age and only rarely after 18 months. It is driven away at least one week before birth of the next calf, the interbirth interval being about 3 years. In the wild, females are full-grown at 6.5 years, and males at about 10 years. Females attain sexual maturity at 5-7 years. The record longevity in captivity is 47 years.