Anwaruddin Choudhury

Anwaruddin Choudhury (born 1959 in Shillong, Meghalaya) is an Indian ornithologist, mammalogist, and wildlife conservation specialist with a focus on North-East India. His work spans decades of research, field studies, and policy advocacy. He has served in various governmental roles, including as Deputy Commissioner in Assam and as Secretary in the state government, ultimately retiring as the Divisional Commissioner of Barak Valley in August 2019.

Choudhury is also the Honorary Chief Executive and a trustee of the Rhino Foundation for Nature in North-East India. Born into an academically oriented family, Choudhury was raised in Shillong and finished his matriculation in 1974. He earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honors in geography, followed by a Master's degree from Gauhati University, where he also received a gold medal for his academic performance. He completed his PhD in primate studies in 1989 and DSC in 2008 on a review of mammals of North-east India, both from Gauhati University.

Choudhury's public service career began in 1983 as an Assam Civil Service officer, transitioning to the Indian Administrative Service in 1999. Throughout his tenure, he undertook various administrative roles, leading projects aimed at rural development, environmental protection, and wildlife conservation.