Skip to main contentAll experts

DoctorRodrigo Hamede Ross

Senior Lecturer

Biological Sciences

Orcid identifier0000-0003-1526-225X (opens in a new tab)⁠
  • Senior Lecturer
    Biological Sciences
  • +61 3 6226 1890 (Work)
  • +61 3 6226 2745 (Fax)
  • School of Natural Sciences, Biological Sciences, 320b Life Sciences Building, Sandy Bay Campus, TAS

RESEARCH SUMMARy

Expertise

Tasmania provides exceptional access to wilderness areas, relatively intact ecosystems, and a rich diversity of native fauna, making it an ideal natural laboratory for wildlife research. In contrast to mainland Australia, the absence of established populations of dingoes and foxes has allowed many endemic mammal species to persist, offering unique opportunities to study their ecology, behaviour, and conservation. Despite recent population declines in some species, Tasmania remains one of the world’s most valuable settings for investigating mammalian responses to environmental and disease pressures.

 

Dr Hamede’s research primarily focuses on Tasmanian devils and devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), but extends across a broader suite of native species through collaborative projects, including wombats, eastern and spotted-tailed quolls, brush-tailed possums, bettongs, and antechinus. His work is embedded within the strong research tradition of the University of Tasmania’s School of Natural Sciences, particularly in the discipline of Biological Sciences, with a focus on mammalian conservation.

 

His core areas of expertise include wildlife disease ecology and epidemiology, conservation biology, evolutionary biology and One Health, with an emphasis on understanding host–pathogen interactions and their implications for species persistence.

 

Research Themes

Dr Hamede’s research is centred on understanding the role of infectious diseases as fundamental drivers of ecological and evolutionary processes. Infectious diseases are a fundamental part of ecosystems, shaping population dynamics, species interactions, and adaptive responses. As such, his work examines how disease influences resilience, adaptation, and long-term persistence at population and ecosystem levels, with direct relevance to conservation biology.

 

A key theme of his research is the integration of epidemiological, and eco-evolutionary perspectives to better understand host–pathogen interactions. He is particularly interested in how behaviour mediates disease transmission and how selective pressures imposed by pathogens drive evolutionary change in host populations. The Tasmanian devil–DFTD system provides a unique model for investigating how disease resilience mechanisms arise and evolve in nature and their consequences in epidemic behaviour.

 

A further research theme focuses on cross-species pathogen transmission at the interface of wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. This work aligns with a One Health framework, addressing the implications of disease emergence for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem function and public health.

 

 

Fields of Research
Host-parasite interactions (310407)
Biological adaptation (310403)
Conservation and biodiversity (410401)

Research Objectives
Control of pests, diseases and exotic species in terrestrial environments (180602)
Terrestrial Biodiversity (180606)
Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences (280102)

Research Invitations
Dr Hamede has been invited as a guest speaker to several prestigious institutions including the University of Cambridge – Department of Pathology, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, University of Oxford – Edward Grey Institute and Wildlife Conservation Research Unit and University of Minnesota – Department of Veterinary Population Medicine.

FUNDED PROJECTS

  • GRANT
    Species-Selective AI Trapping to Monitor and Mitigate Devil Facial Tumour Disease
    1 Feb 2027 - 1 Feb 2029
    People funded by this grant:
    • Connelly W,
    • Flies A,
    • Chaturvedi P,
    • Hamede Ross R
    Project Total: $53,169; Conventional trapping of Tasmanian Devils is required to monitor the spread of DFTD and will be necessary to follow up any deployment of vaccines. However, trapping is labour intensive, as most traps are set off early in the night by non-target species such as quolls and bandicoots. This reduces the amount of data a scientist can collect, and causes unnecessary stress for these native animals. We will develop a trap which uses artificial intelligence to selectively trap devils. The trap will contain a small camera, which will allow an onboard processor to infer species type. If the species is not desirable, the trap will simply not close. This will increase our ability to determine the distribution and impact of DFT2 and enhance our ability to monitor the effectiveness and safety of vaccines. Funded by: University of Tasmania Foundation Inc - Internal Grant; University of Tasmania ($53,169).
  • GRANT
    Smart surveillance ahead of the spread: an integrated platform to track the distribution and population effects of DFT2
    1 Jun 2026 - 1 Jun 2028
    People funded by this grant:
    • Hamede Ross R
    Project Total: $75,000; In 2022, DFT2 was detected for the first time beyond the peninsula where it originated, raising concerns about further spread. Populations affected by DFT2 are already impacted by DFT1, making it critical to assess the cumulative effects of both transmissible cancers, their epidemiology and demographic effects before DFT2 expands its range. Such information is essential for developing proactive, evidence-based conservation strategies. Collecting epidemiological data and biological samples in DFT2-affected regions has proven challenging due to fragmented and urbanised landscapes, reduced devil densities and the inherent low probabilities of encountering diseased individuals. To address these constraints, we recently developed an integrated monitoring framework for areas where DFT1 and DFT2 coexist. This approach combines automated camera-based detection of diseased devils with targeted live trapping at sites identified through image analysis. The project leverages a formal partnership with local communities and a network of 380 private landholders collaborating with UTasSNS devil monitoring programs, enabling rapid access to priority areas. This cost-effective, long-term platform will track the DFT2 epidemic frontline and population effects in real time and support the timely evaluation of management intervention. The project will also provide biological samples and data to study the evolutionary trajectory of DFT2 and predict the likelihood of DFT2 persistence at large spatial scales. Funded by: University of Tasmania Foundation Inc - Internal Grant; University of Tasmania ($73,271).
  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    Devil diet and pathogen screening
    Orion Ecology1 Jan 2026 - 1 May 2026
    People funded by this grant:
    • Fountain-Jones N,
    • Hamede Ross R
    Project Total: $30,191; Project to assist Orion Ecology screen for diet shifts and screen for disease associated with Wind farm development in North West Tasmania. Extensive laboratory work. Funded by: Orion Ecology ($30,191); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Combining genomic and epigenetic data to understand infectious diseases of threatened species
    1 Apr 2025 - 31 Mar 2027
    People funded by this grant:
    • Brav-Cubitt T,
    • Fountain-Jones N,
    • Hamede Ross R,
    • Younger J
    Project Total: $16,445; Infectious diseases pose a significant challenge to the conservation of threatened species. For example, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is currently spreading globally and causing mass mortalities in wildlife that has limited to no immunity against this disease. Other species have longer term disease threats, such as the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) and their facial tumour disease which has caused severe population declines over the last 30-40 years. Whether the disease threat is emerging or endemic, identifying routes of pathogen transmission is vital for managing disease threats to mitigate or block pathogen spread and, where possible, prevent future outbreaks. My project will employ cutting edge epigenetic techniques combined with genomic data to study the epidemiology of three wildlife disease systems: Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), Trypanosoma blood parasites in Tasmanian devils, and viruses in seabirds in the Southern Ocean. For each study system I am aiming to identify routes of pathogen transmission and determine how these are influenced by landscape features, and investigate whether epigenetic data will improve resolution of the observed patterns of transmission compared to genomic data alone. This will help to predict and mitigate pathogen spread to protect the health and survival of the affected vulnerable species. During the first year of my project and the year of requested funding, I will be focusing on the two transmissible cancers of Tasmanian devils in their overlapping region, the dEntrecasteaux peninsula in southeast Tasmania. I will generate genomic and epigenetic data from tumour samples, and map the resulting variation against landscape features to determine routes of transmission. This will provide new insight into the transmission dynamics of the two tumours and how they differ, allowing for the implementation of targeted management strategies. Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant ($16,443); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Coinfection and the devil
    1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2026
    People funded by this grant:
    • Brav-Cubitt T,
    • Fountain-Jones N,
    • Hamede Ross R
    Project Total: $24,665; New disease outbreaks pose a significant threat to the genetic and demographic connectivity of Tasmanian devil populations. While the impacts of devil facial tumour diseases (DFTD1 and DFTD2) are well-documented, much less is understood about the diversity, transmission, and health implications of parasites affecting devils. This project focuses on trypanosomes, a group of parasites detected at relatively high prevalence in multiple devil populations. These parasites are potentially significant from a health perspective, as trypanosome infections have been linked to pathological changes in species such as the woylie (Bettongia penicillata) and koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) with co-morbidities. This project will utilize genomic tools, including a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel, to study Trypanosoma parasites in previously collected devil samples. By analysing genetic variation and mapping patterns of spread across the Tasmanian landscape, the study will investigate how this parasite is transmitted and whether it exacerbates the effects of DFTD1 and DFTD2. Understanding these dynamics is important for understanding the factors besides DFTD and DFT-2 that impact the health in devil populations. This research will inform conservation strategies by addressing how parasite and tumour co-infections shape population structure and threaten the resilience of Tasmanian devils. Funded by: University of Tasmania Foundation Inc - Dr Eric Guiler Tasmanian Devil Research Grant - HDR; University of Tasmania ($24,665).
  • GRANT
    DFT2 Research Donations
    1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2028
    People funded by this grant:
    • Hamede Ross R
    Project Total: $4,000; DFT2 Research donations Funded by: Donation via University of Tasmania Foundation - Donation ($4,000); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Genomic warning signs for shifts in tumour evolution in response to host resistance
    1 Jan 2025 - 1 Jan 2027
    People funded by this grant:
    • Fountain-Jones N,
    • Hamede Ross R
    Project Total: $48,852; Changes in the genomes of pathogens can provide valuable early warning signs for shifts in the host-pathogen evolutionary arms race. A greater number of mutations in the pathogen relative to baseline, for example, can reflect changes in the virulence of a pathogen in response to a vaccine or natural host resistance. That evolutionary baseline has been unknown for devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) since rapid evolutionary changes occurred around 2010. Understanding the current evolutionary trajectory of tumour evolution in devil populations is a particularly important gap to fill as we get closer to a vaccine and reintroductions of captive devils become more common. This project will extend the long-term monitoring of the West Pencil Pine population to quantify tumour evolution from 2019 to 2027. By establishing a robust baseline, the study will enhance our understanding of the impact of changing management strategies on tumour virulence. Additionally, it will offer valuable insights into the dynamics of the host-pathogen evolutionary arms race at this critical long-term monitoring site. Funded by: University of Tasmania Foundation Inc - Grant-Dr Eric Guiler Tasmanian Devil Research Gran; University of Tasmania ($48,852).
  • GRANT
    Integrated and real time assessment of spread, prevalence and effects of devil facial tumour 2 at the epidemic frontline
    31 Dec 2023 - 31 Dec 2025
    People funded by this grant:
    • Hamede Ross R,
    • Brook B
    Project Total: $49,946; The project aims to quantify the spread, prevalence and effects of DFT2 as it continues to increase its spatial range towards unaffected areas. This will allow evaluating the likelihood of DFT2 to either, fade out or increase its geographic distribution in real time, and determine if potential management interventions are likely to succeed. All animal ethical requirements and veterinary competency assessments will be met. Funded by: University of Tasmania Foundation Inc - Grant-Dr Eric Guiler Tasmanian Devil Research Gran; University of Tasmania ($49,946).
  • GRANT
    Tests of the repeatability of evolution across an entire species range in host-pathogen system
    15 Aug 2023 - 31 Jul 2027
    People funded by this grant:
    • Storfer A,
    • Hamede Ross R,
    • Jones M
    Project Total: $1,500,000; Applied research. The project will help to understand how wildlife species respond and adapt to disease threats in natural environments, by evaluating the genetic and phenotypic changes in response to two transmissible cancers, devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) and devil facial tumour 2 (DFT2). All animal ethics and veterinary procedures and requirements will be met and adhered too. Funded by: National Science Foundation - Grant; Washington State University; University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Contact Networks, Immunity, and Evolution in Competing Cancer Epidemics
    1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2026
    People funded by this grant:
    • Hamede Ross R,
    • Fountain-Jones N,
    • Ujvari B
    Project Total: $417,945; The project aims to evaluate evolutionary interactions between two transmissible cancer epidemics affecting Tasmanian devils and quantify their feedback on infection risk and epidemic behaviour. Using contact tracing and a phylogenetic framework we aim to quantify how tumour lineages evolve with each generation of infection and their effects on susceptibility to infection and disease progression. We expect to reveal the host immuno-genetic basis underpinning cancer suppression and the adaptive capacity of populations in response to infectious diseases. This should significantly improve our ability to understand and manage this and other epidemic outbreaks in wildlife, as well as advancing our knowledge in cancer ecology and evolution. Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Discovery Projects ($417,945); University of Tasmania ($115,416).
  • CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
    International Association Laboratory
    1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2026
    People funded by this grant:
    • Hamede Ross R
    Project Total: $32,418; Collaboration with the CNRS to provide support to the University of Tasmania to strengthen international research collaborations. Funded by: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique ($32,418); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF FORESTRY PLANTATION MACROPOD CULLING PROGRAMS ON LEAD EXPOSURE IN TASMANIAN DEVILS
    1 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2023
    People funded by this grant:
    • Hamede Ross R,
    • Hampton J,
    • Jones M,
    • Lyons B,
    • Koch A
    Project Total: $10,000; This project will assess lead exposure in Tasmanian devils inhabiting forestry plantations, a land use heavily reliant on macropod culling. This will involve a two-pronged approach: 1) assessment of the effect of seasonal culling events on short-term exposure using blood lead levels, and 2) estimate long-term exposure in the same animals, using hair samples and an innovative lead analysis tool, x-ray fluorescence. This project is done in accordance with AEC permit number 23211. Evie Jones was competency assessed in all veterinary procedures by Dr Alex Kreiss in August 2021 and will be re-assessed in August 2022. Funded by: Paddy Pallin Foundation - Grant-Science ($10,000); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Epidemiology, distribution and population effects of a novel transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils: implications for managing DFT2 in southern Tasmania
    29 Jul 2021 - 30 Jun 2023
    People funded by this grant:
    • Hamede Ross R
    Project Total: $47,000; The project aims to determine the distribution and prevalence of DFT2, quantify its infection dynamics across demographic groups and population effects in southern Tasmania. This will allow determining the rate of spread of DFT2, contrasting patterns of population response with DFTD-affected areas and evaluating the suitability of potential management interventions Funded by: University of Tasmania Foundation Inc - Grant-Dr Eric Guiler Tasmanian Devil Research Gran; University of Tasmania ($47,000).
  • GRANT
    The effects of plantation forestry operations on Tasmanian devil behaviour and health.
    29 Jul 2021 - 30 Jun 2023
    People funded by this grant:
    • Hamede Ross R
    Project Total: $24,000; The project will use a combination of camera trapping and GPS radio tracking to identify how Tasmanian devil distribution, behaviour and health are affected by production forestry landscapes and clear-felling practices. The results will be used to inform forestry management to enhance devil conservation within forestry landscapes Funded by: University of Tasmania Foundation Inc - Grant-Dr Eric Guiler Tasmanian Devil Research Gran; University of Tasmania ($24,000).
  • GRANT
    Development of an early diagnostic liquid biopsy for DFT2
    University of Tasmania Foundation Inc1 Jul 2021 - 30 Jun 2022
    People funded by this grant:
    • Lyons B,
    • Espejo C,
    • Hamede Ross R,
    • Wilson R,
    • Patchett A
    Project Total: $50,000; The two genetically independent transmissible cancers affecting Tasmanian devils (DFT1 and DFT2) can be only differentially diagnosed once tumours have appeared. However, DFT1 and DFT2 cannot be diagnosed when tumours are not available to sample. This project will validate a differential diagnosis biomarker for DFTD in serum samples and will explore whether it can serve as an early DFT2 biomarker. Funded by: University of Tasmania Foundation Inc - Grant-Dr Eric Guiler Tasmanian Devil Research Gran; University of Tasmania ($50,000).
  • GRANT
    Will natural selection save the Tasmanian devil from extinction?
    1 Nov 2020 - 30 Dec 2023
    People funded by this grant:
    • Hamede Ross R,
    • Burridge C,
    • Nagly S
    Project Total: $17,400; This study will evaluate the immune adaptations of devils in response to DFTD and assess if captive insurance populations have the genetic tool-box to combat DFTD. This project will generate fine-scale contemporary data on immunological responses to infection and adaptations to a transmissible cancer. The outputs of the research will be used to ensure that immune and tumour suppressor capabilities are maintained and managed in the insurance populations to enable successful repopulations of depauperate areas of Tasmania. Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant ($17,400); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    The effects of plantation forestry operations on Tasmanian devil behaviour and health
    Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment1 Jul 2020 - 30 Jun 2023
    People funded by this grant:
    • Hamede Ross R,
    • Jones M,
    • Lyons B
    Project Total: $7,375; PhD project: Evie Jones To identify the distribution and abundance of devils and quolls in forestry plantation landscapes, the effect of these landscapes on individual health, and the fine-scale response of devils to forest harvesting practices. The synthesis of these results will provide a comprehensive understanding of how native Tasmanian carnivores respond to plantation forestry operations at multiple scales - large and fine, spatial and longitudinal, providing science-based recommendations to forestry groups to enhance conservation of these carnivores within plantation landscapes. Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant ($7,375); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    A new disease in disguise: ecology and epidemiology of the second transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils (DFT2)
    Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment1 Jan 2020 - 31 Dec 2022
    People funded by this grant:
    • Hamede Ross R,
    • Carver S,
    • Broeren R
    Project Total: $13,525; Applied research. Evaluating epidemiological data and biological samples to determine effects of a new transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils. Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant ($13,525); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Linking spatial movements and social contacts to understand the transmission of Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease.
    Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment1 Jan 2020 - 31 Dec 2022
    People funded by this grant:
    • Jones M,
    • Hamede Ross R,
    • Cameron E,
    • McGee G
    Project Total: $13,445; The aim of this project is to gain a better understanding of the spatial epidemiology of DFTD by investigating how landscape scale movement of Tasmanian devils maps onto the social contacts between individuals leading to disease transmission. Tasmanian devils are threatened by a transmissible cancer known as the devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), which is spread from one host to the next via injurious contact, typically biting. The direct mechanism by which DFTD is transmitted has enabled the construction of contact networks for modelling the spread of disease. Contact networks are designed to analyse social interactions with the aim of elucidating disease parameters and identifying individuals that account for disproportionately high amounts of transmission. Whilst these networks have advanced our understanding of DFTD transmission in relation to variables such as season, sex and age, the influence of individual movement patterns on contact network structure remains unclear. We plan to fit the adult devil population on the Freycinet Peninsula (East Coast Tasmania) with new radio tracking collars that are equipped with both GPS for recording location and proximity loggers that record when devils come into contact with one another. The data collected from these collars in conjunction with disease status, bite wound, and general health data collected during regular trapping activity will allow us to construct spatial contact network models. These models will be used to investigate how devils utilise and move through natural and human modified landscapes, the social structure of wild devil populations, the influence of DFTD on devil behaviour, and how devil movement and contact patterns influence DFTD transmission. Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant ($13,445); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    The effects of plantation forestry operations on Tasmanian devil behaviour and health
    1 Jan 2020 - 13 Oct 2022
    People funded by this grant:
    • Hamede Ross R,
    • Jones M,
    • Lyons B,
    • Jones E
    Project Total: $1,960; I aim to identify the distribution and abundance of devils and quolls in forestry plantation landscapes, the effect of these landscapes on individual health, and the fine-scale response of devils to forest harvesting practices. The synthesis of these results will provide a comprehensive understanding of how native Tasmanian carnivores respond to plantation forestry operations at multiple scales - large and fine, spatial and longitudinal. The results will allow me to provide science-based recommendations to forestry groups to enhance conservation of these carnivores within plantation landscapes. Funded by: Forest Practices Authority - Donation ($1,960); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    The effects of plantation forestry operations on Tasmanian devil behaviour and health
    1 Jan 2020 - 30 Jun 2022
    People funded by this grant:
    • Hamede Ross R,
    • Jones M,
    • Lyons B,
    • Jones E
    Project Total: $2,450; One off Donation received from Forest Practices Authority towards PhD project. I aim to identify the distribution and abundance of devils and quolls in forestry plantation landscapes, the effect of these landscapes on individual health, and the fine-scale response of devils to forest harvesting practices. The synthesis of these results will provide a comprehensive understanding of how native Tasmanian carnivores respond to plantation forestry operations at multiple scales - large and fine, spatial and longitudinal. The results will allow me to provide science-based recommendations to forestry groups to enhance conservation of these carnivores within plantation landscapes. Funded by: Donation via University of Tasmania Foundation - Donation ($2,450); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Will natural selection save the Tasmanian devil from extinction?
    Australian Research Council18 Apr 2019 - 31 Dec 2023
    People funded by this grant:
    • Hamede Ross R,
    • Ujvari B,
    • Thomas F
    Project Total: $405,000; Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Linkage Projects ($300,000); Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania ($60,000); Zoos Victoria ($45,000); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Monitoring the spatial spread and population response of a novel transmissible cancer: implications for managing DFT2 in southern Tasmania
    Donation via University of Tasmania Foundation1 Jan 2019 - 31 Dec 2021
    People funded by this grant:
    • Hamede Ross R
    Project Total: $14,717; Applied research. Evaluating epidemiological data and biological samples to determine spread and effects of a new transmissible cancer. Funded by: Donation via University of Tasmania Foundation - Donation ($14,717); University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Ecology and Evolution of Transmissible Cancers
    French National Research Agency (ANR)1 Jul 2018 - 31 Jul 2021
    People funded by this grant:
    • Thomas F,
    • Hamede Ross R,
    • Ujvari B
    Project Total: $876,889; Applied Research. The project aims to investigate what are the origins of transmissible cancers and the drivers for their emergence. Specific emphasis will be given to study their evolutionary and ecological dynamics and suggest how to manage/mitigate their impact. Funded by: French National Research Agency (ANR) - Grant; University of Tasmania.
  • GRANT
    Evaluating epidemiological and population dynamics in response to devil translocations
    University of Tasmania Foundation Inc22 Feb 2018 - 31 Aug 2019
    People funded by this grant:
    • Hamede Ross R,
    • Jones M
    Project Total: $20,000; The project will provide essential individual and population based data to evaluate the effects of immunisations and translocations of devils to the wild. The information gathered in this project will be vital for refining future translocations and improving the long-term success of the Wild Devil Recovery Plan. Funded by: University of Tasmania Foundation Inc - Donation-Dr Eric Guiler Tasmanian Devil Research; University of Tasmania ($20,000).