FrogID is a citizen science project launched by the Australian Museum on Friday, November 17.

The initiative uses mobile phone technology and “audio DNA” to identify where at-risk frogs are, and to conserve them and Australian waterways.

The free app identifies frog species by the sounds they make, which can include croaks, chirps, whistles and barks.

Recording and uploading frog calls to the app will help identify different frog species and GPS technology will provide time and location data.

A team of frog experts will then verify the data and map frog populations across Australia to identify areas and species under threat.

Shoalhaven is home to one of the largest remaining populations of green and golden bell frogs in NSW. That’s according to Michael Smith, team leader of environmental and planning assessment at Shoalhaven City Council.

“The species is now only found in small fragmented populations (and is) absent from approximately 90 per cent of its former range,” he said.

“There are a number of other frog species in the Shoalhaven threatened with extinction to varying degrees by Chytrid, impacts of climate change, loss of habitat and changes to water quality and local hydrology.”

Up to 1 million Australians are expected to download the app and head to parks, creeks, dams or wetlands to listen for frog calls. This data will reveal where they are at risk from habitat loss, disease, climate change and urbanisation.

“The power to save Australia’s frogs is in your hand,” said Australian Museum Director and CEO, Kim McKay, AO.

“Everyone can download the free FrogID app to help save these vulnerable species.”

Leading Australian frog expert, Dr Jodi Rowley, agrees. 

“Frogs are a tipping point in the environment,” she said.

“The loss of frogs is also likely to have huge pest management implications for our agricultural production and well-being, as they help control insect populations, such as mosquitoes. If they disappear, entire ecosystems may be at risk.”

Find out more at www.frogid.net.au.