Black Elephants impact engineering and construction in two significant ways. The first are those Black Elephants which more broadly impact society, creating challenges, threats, risks and opportunities for our profession, our people and our projects. The second, are those Black Elephants which seem to inhabit the projects we undertake and execute.. xplore the African elephant—savanna vs. forest species, latest population data, threats and bold conservation moves that can save Earth.
The "black swan"/"elephant in the room". (Courtesy: Shutterstock/Ivanchina Anna) A few months ago the New York Times used the curious term "black elephant", attributing it to the London-based investor and environmentalist Adam Sweidan. The term crosses two already familiar expressions. One is "black swan" - a name for something whose repercussions force you to throw out key theories.. African elephants are the largest animals walking the Earth. Their herds wander through 37 countries in Africa. They are easily recognized by their trunk that is used for communication and handling objects. And their large ears allow them to radiate excess heat. Upper incisor teeth develop into tusks in African elephants and grow throughout their lifetime. There are two species of African.