Deadly fungus still threatens Aussie frogs

Seven Australian frog species on the brink of extinction could be saved relatively cheaply, scientists have concluded.

The chytrid fungus has already wiped out six frog species since it reached Australia in 1978 and another seven species are in imminent danger.

But David Newell from Southern Cross University and Lee Skerratt from the University of Melbourne believed the endangered frogs can be saved with a research and management program costing about $15 million over five years.

They suggest enhancing natural selection against the fungus as being among the best ways to save the species.

"There are no second chances when you're talking about extinction," Dr Newell said.

"The time to act is now."

The species in peril are:

Southern corroboree frog (Mt Kosciuszko National Park, NSW)

Northern corroboree frog (Mt Kosciuszko and adjacent parks, ACT and NSW)

Baw Baw frog (Mt Baw Baw National Park, Vic)

Spotted tree Frog (Victorian alps)

Tasmanian tree frog (Tasmanian World Heritage Area)

Kroombit tinker frog (Kroombit Tops National Park, Qld)

Armoured mist frog (Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Qld)

A further 22 frog species are considered at moderate to lower risk of extinction from chytridiomycosis.