Oryx herds are mixed and consist of 12 to 18 animals, but in fertile valleys with trees and with considerable vegetation cover they may number up to 60 animals.

In each herd there is a dominant male and other immature males and females. Within the herd, oryxes behave peacefully, but this is not true during the mating season, which lasts from May to December. During this time, duels for the female often occur. The fights are fought with the horns - they rarely end in blood.