Consistent social structure and optimal clique size revealed by social network analysis of feral goats, Capra hircus

► Social network analysis enables comparison of social structure across populations. ► Feral goat social structure is stable across habitats and lineages. ► Associations are driven by social as well as ecological benefits. ► A consistent optimal clique size of 12-13 individuals exists. ► Bonded dyads maintain spatial proximity and show reduced aggression.