Hunters are working against their own interests by campaigning for spring hunting, Birdlife Malta’s new executive president said.

If the birds you are hunting are killed before they breed the species won’t be around in future

“For me, spring hunting is the key issue because it makes no sense if you are a conservationist or a hunter.

“If the birds you are hunting are killed before they breed the species won’t be around in future,” said Steve Micklewright, 50, who was giving his first interview after being appointed to the role last week.

Mr Micklewright insisted that Birdlife does not oppose legal hunting or trapping.

“We do oppose illegal activities and activities that jeopardise the long-term sustainability of bird populations,” he said.

Legal hunting in autumn was “OK”, Mr Micklewright said, but he promised that Birdlife would continue to draw attention to illegal hunting in this period “because it is affecting vulnerable and protected species”.

Acknowledging that “the tit-for-tat relationship with the FKNK (hunters’ federation) has gone on for some time”, Mr Micklewright said the onus is on the FKNK to change its approach.

“In a classic environmental campaign you would look to build relationships with organisations like the FKNK,” Mr Micklewright said.

“But for me there are a few tests that the FKNK would have to pass before I would like to work at all closely with them.”

The first test would be to expel all members known to hunt illegally – “we don’t know if they are doing that,” Mr Micklewright said.

He pointed out that Birdlife has evidence of illegal hunting taking place in FKNK-controlled Miżieb during the recent autumn migration season.

“The other thing the FKNK needs to do is stop accusing us of falsifying evidence because we are a science-based organisation and we operate on sound evidence,” Mr Micklewright said.

He recalled his incredulity at hearing FKNK president Joe Perici Calascione insinuate on a BBC radio documentary in July that Birdlife members could be killing protected birds to make the hunting federation look bad.

“It is very hard to work with people who are accusing you of things like that,” Mr Micklewright said.

Would he be seeking a meeting with the FKNK to discuss conservation issues?

“Not yet. But... if we start to see changes in their behaviour towards illegal hunting and their behaviour towards us as an organisation, then yes, of course I would like to speak to them, but there is a long way for them to go.”

His first priority, with a general election around the corner, was discussing illegal hunting and conservation issues with the leaders of the two main political parties and letters were sent last Thursday requesting meetings.

Mr Micklewright admitted he was concerned that the FKNK would try to win concessions in return for the votes of its members.

“We have to make sure that the Government and Opposition hear the message that concessions to the hunters will probably give you no advantage, but they may do you harm.

“I think a lot of people out there don’t like the sense that the hunters are using the threat of their votes to influence the Government and Opposition.”

Mr Micklewright, who studied botany and zoology and has a Master’s degree in conservation and ecology, has taken over from Paul Debono, who vacated his role in March to pursue other career opportunities.

He is aware that some opponents of Birdlife will try to use the fact that he is not Maltese against him. But he pointed out that Birdlife Malta was set up by Maltese people 50 years ago and most of the permanent staff members are Maltese.

“I think I have been appointed here because I am the best person who came forward for the job. It just so happens that I’m British. I am managed by Maltese people in terms of the governance of Birdlife. I am just part of the team,” he said.

And Mr Mickelwright does have a Maltese connection – his stepmother, Sylvana, is half-Maltese and was born in Malta.

Having worked for environmental organisations for more than 20 years, Mr Micklewright said the Birdlife post brings together all the things he has done in his career.

In his previous job as director of the Avon Wildlife Trust in Bristol, he spearheaded campaigns to connect people with nature and is hoping to do the same in Malta.