Cooperative behavior in protection and guidance of the young is shown. When the young males reach maturity, they leave the heard. Sexual maturity occurs at ten years of age. Males become aggressive toward each other during rut. The mating behavior usually coincides with wet weather periods.
Males compete for receptive cows.
Gestation takes 22-24 months. Young suckle for 3-5 years. Although a individual may live to the age of 60, only one-fifth survive to the age of 30. The odd appearance of the hyrax has caused much confusion in their past classification. Their superficial similarities to rodents lead to the mistake of linking them to the guinea pigs.