I see nothing wrong with a diet of rodents. I think it is one of those "taboo" topics among keepers and experts. And, as you said, it seems that our knowledge of these animals can only grow.

As for the "living longer in the wild comment," I was trying to make the point that their diets in the wild are varied, they don't feed strictly on any one thing, which, as it does for humans, leads to a longer healthier life. I realize that there are numerous factors that work against these, and all, animals in the wild and that certain ones, such as predation, can be wholly avoided in captivity. This factor alone obviously lends to a longer life, (I think it's common knowledge that not getting eaten is good for one's health. Be it a person or a frog). It would seem that, given an appropriate lifestyle in the wild, and again, no predation, and animal would live longer there than in captivity. (I guess I'm basing this on Dolphins. I seem to remember hearing that they live only a fraction of their possible lifespan when placed in captivity.) But I also think it is a valid argument to say that, given ideal conditions in captivity, that these frogs could well surpass their "natural" lifespan. (I suppose there is no real "right" answer to this question though.) I have often wondered about this in pertinence to trees, whether, given ideal conditions, if a tree could live forever. There you have it, again, good topic.





Regards, Evan

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