Percepção de estudantes do Ensino Fundamental II sobre a fauna silvestre em ameaça de extinção na Caatinga

Abstract

The Caatinga is recognized as the most biodiverse semi-arid region in the world, especially in relation to fauna. Despite its vast diversity of species, historical predatory exploitation has contributed to the loss and decline of these species. In light of this, the research aimed to analyze the perception of 7th-grade students from a public school in São João do Piauí regarding the wildlife threatened with extinction in the Caatinga, as well as to raise awareness about the importance of preservation and care for the biome. The research, of a descriptive nature with a quantitative-qualitative approach, used two semi-structured questionnaires (preliminary and evaluative) and an expository-dialogical class for data collection. The analysis was performed through descriptive statistics, using simple percentages and absolute numbers. The study revealed that, although the students live in the Caatinga, many were unfamiliar with the biome, possibly due to a lack of information in their science classes. However, most of the students were already aware of, had seen, or had heard about the endangered animals in the Caatinga, especially those covered in the expository-dialogical class, which broadened their understanding of the species and sparked interest in learning more about them. Therefore, it is evident that the study of this biome needs to be included in specific school subjects, particularly in schools located in regions encompassing the biome. Knowledge about the endangered wildlife in the Caatinga proved to be crucial for students to understand the biome, the fauna, and the causes of environmental destruction in the region.