Dwindling frog populations could be saved from possible extinction by findings released by New Zealand scientists.

In a research paper out on Wednesday, Lincoln University biologist Dr Bruce Waldman claims his team has identified certain types of genes that can help frogs develop resistance to bacteria and disease.

He says frog populations all over the world have succumbed to disease because of a lack of immune system.

Waldman says if they can breed frogs in captivity that are naturally resistant to disease, they can release them back into the wild and save species from extinction.

He warns if frog populations die off it would affect other species and could could ultimately impact on humans.