A British soldier has been killed by an elephant during an anti-poaching mission in Malawi.
Tributes have been paid to Guardsman Mathew Talbot, of The 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, who died on Sunday whilst on a counter poaching operation.
British forces have been helping to train rangers on African reserves in the fight against illegal wildlife poaching.
Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said his death was a reminder of the dangerous work conducted by British forces.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Guardsman Mathew Talbot, who died while carrying out vital counter-poaching work in Malawi," she said.
“This tragic incident is a reminder of the danger our military faces as they protect some of the world’s most endangered species from those who seek to profit from the criminal slaughter of wildlife.
“Throughout his career with the Coldstream Guards, Guardsman Talbot served with great courage and professionalism, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this terrible time.”
British troops were deployed to Africa in 2017 to train rangers in tracking, infantry, bushcraft and information analysis skills.
Former Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announced the expansion of the UK's counter-poaching training at two parks in Malawi last year saying the "cruel" poaching trade puts "majestic" animals at risk.
Animals under threat include elephants, rhinos and lions.
Lt Col Ed Launders MBE Commanding Officer said: "I will always feel honoured to have served alongside Guardsman Mathew Talbot. He was a determined and big-hearted Coldstreamer who devoted his life to serving his country.
"It was typical of his character to volunteer for an important and challenging role in Malawi. He was hugely proud to of his work as a Counter-Poaching Operator, and tragically died doing great good."
Poaching in Malawi is estimated to have halved the country's elephant population from 4,000 in the 1980s to 2,000 in 2015.Deployments to Nkhotakota and Majete Wildlife Reserves began last May, following a successful pilot scheme in Liwonde National Park in 2017.
