A British soldier has been killed by an elephant while on counter-poaching operations in Malawi.
Guardsman Mathew Talbot of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards died on Sunday during his first deployment.
The Ministry of Defence did not confirm his cause of death but paid tribute to the "exceptionally kind and friendly individual."
Brighton Kumchedwa, Director of Malawi's Department of National Parks and Wildlife, confirmed to a Malawi news outlet that Guardsman Talbot had been killed by an elephant.
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.
“Mathew was loved by his brothers in arms in the Coldstream Guards. We will sorely miss his humour, selflessness and unbeatable spirit.
“My deepest condolences go to his parents, family and loved-ones. My thoughts and prayers are with them at this desperately sad time.”
Guardsman Talbot, who was from Birmingham, completed his military training at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, before attending the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire.
He was then posted to Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards, based in London where he spent the first, formative year of his career conducting State Ceremonial and Public Duties, before moving to the 1st Battalion Coldstrem Guards in Windsor.
He leaves behind father Steven, his mother Michelle, sisters Aimee and Isabel and girlfriend Olivia.
The MoD said the soldier was "often found befriending the locals and learning their language, which he did remarkably quickly."
They added: "He became good friends with the Gurkhas attached to the team and took time to try and learn Nepali.
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"Mathew was a very keen photographer, documenting his time in the military with countless albums of his work. He particularly enjoyed capturing his time in Malawi.
"He loved music and his close friends will remember him as a big fan of Frank Sinatra.
"Mathew was an avid reader of military history and he was incredibly proud to serve in a regiment that had such a long an illustrious history."
Major Richard Wright, Company Commander, said Guardsman Talbot "never failed to make him smile" and was "a real character who was always full of wit and never short of a joke or two, he quickly and easily made lifelong friends in the team."
He also said the soldier had recently completed an exercise in Kenya before volunteering to mentor and partner the Malawian Ranger Force in their fight against the illegal wildlife trade.
Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Guardsman Mathew Talbot, who died while carrying out vital counter-poaching work in Malawi.
“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.”
