YOUR backyard could hold the key to protecting Australia’s threatened frogs, with the Australian Museum calling on people to help scientists uncover the species living in their neighbourhoods during FrogID Week from November 6 to 15.

Now in its ninth year, FrogID is one of Australia’s biggest citizen science programs, encouraging Australians to record the frogs they hear around them to help scientists better understand and protect threatened species.

This year, new research from the Australian Museum has revealed just how important private land is for frog conservation in WA.

Of almost 500,000 FrogID recordings analysed, 86 per cent came from private land, with 20 threatened frog species recorded on privately owned properties.

Five WA frogs are on the most wanted list, including Copland's Rock Frog, Western Toadlet, Tanami Toadlet, Turtle Frog and Desert Spadefoot.

With one in five Australian frog species threatened with extinction, scientists are encouraging Australians to record calls using the free FrogID app to help identify where threatened species are surviving.

Australian Museum Lead Scientist for FrogID and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Biology curator Dr Jodi Rowley said recordings from the community are helping fill important gaps in scientists’ knowledge of Australia’s frogs.

“You don’t need to travel into the wilderness to contribute to scientific discovery. There could be frogs calling in your own backyard, and we'd love to hear them,” Dr Rowley said.

Australian Museum chief executive officer Kim McKay, said FrogID Week gives every Australian an opportunity to contribute to important scientific research.

“FrogID is one of the most accessible ways Australians can become citizen scientists. All you need is a smartphone and a few minutes to listen to the frogs around you.

“Every recording contributes to our understanding of Australia's biodiversity, and the more people who participate, the more we can discover about the incredible species that share our environment,” Ms McKay said.

People can take part by downloading the free FrogID app available from www.frogid.net.au and recording frog calls wherever they hear them.