Bardiya/chitwan, July 29 -- As the world marks Global Tiger Day on Tuesday, Nepal has a rare conservation success story to share. Not only has the country nearly tripled its tiger population over the past 12 years, but the frequency of fatal human-tiger conflicts has also begun to decline.

The country now eyes sustainable coexistence of the big cats and human beings. Wildlife conservationists claim Nepal can sustain up to 500 tigers based on available habitat, prey species and landscape management.

"Nepal's protected areas, buffer zones and forest corridors are now in a position to accommodate around 500 tigers. The availability of prey, improved grassland management and overall conservation efforts make this target feasible," said Hem ...