Mr. Narayan Mahanta is a retired officer of the Indian Forest Service (Assam-Meghalaya cadre), having served for over 35 years in the Assam Forest Department in diverse roles related to forest and wildlife management. He holds an M.Sc. in Botany (Biosystematics) from Utkal University, Bhubaneswar (1985).

During his career, he was closely involved in the management and conservation of several key Protected Areas of Assam, including Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary, Panidehing Bird Sanctuary, Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Manas Tiger Reserve, Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaziranga National Park, Borajan-Bherjan-Podumoni Wildlife Sanctuary, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, and Dehing Patkai National Park, among others.

He underwent numerous professional trainings in Forest and Wildlife Management in nationally and internationally renowned institutions. He also received specialized training in Zoo Design and Management from the Singapore Zoological Gardens, and subsequently served as the Administrator of the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden for over seven years, where he initiated conservation breeding programmes for several endangered species.

He played an important role in the translocation of rhinos under the “Rhino Vision 2020” programme in Assam, and also participated in the Rhino Translocation programme in Nepal, serving as the Head of the Logistic Team during operations.

Mahanta has authored and compiled several publications, including articles, documentary films, and books, such as the coffee table book titled Natural Heritage of Assam, as well as children’s storybooks promoting wildlife awareness.

After his retirement on 31st January 2022, he served as Consultant (HR and Administration) with the Pollution Control Board, Assam, from 2022 to 2025. He is presently associated with the Centre for Wildlife and Environmental Studies at Girijananda Choudhury University, Guwahati.