Knowing to preserve: Environmental perception of 8he grade students about the Atlantic Forest biome and its faunal diversity.

Abstract

Environmental perception studies are of great importance for understanding the different existing conceptions of the same environment. Studies relating the perception of fauna associated with Brazilian biomes, especially the Atlantic Forest, are still scarce. The Atlantic Forest is one of the great Brazilian biomes and one of the richest forests in diversity. Therefore, realizing a gap in studies in the area this work sought to understand the perception of 8th grade adolescents in elementary school from eight public and private schools, located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, about the Atlantic Forest and its faunal biodiversity, since knowing the native animals of this Brazilian biome reflects in the formation of adults aware of the need and importance of preserving nature. This survey included 18 students who answered the same structured online questionnaire. The data point to the presence of a relationship of belonging, feeling, and understanding the importance of the Atlantic Forest by students. They cited a large number of animals native to the Brazilian biomes and the Atlantic Forest biome, recognizing the importance of ecosystem services for the existence of life.