Diversidade da fauna nativa nordestina: conhecimentos construídos ao longo do ensino fundamental

Abstract

This study investigated the knowledge of elementary school students about the native fauna of the Caatinga and its relationship with biodiversity perception and environmental conservation.The research was conducted over three months in two schools in the municipality of Timon-MA, with 8th and 9th-grade students, through the application of structured questionnaires. Data were statistically analyzed using the R software, applying Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA, Chi-Square, and Spearman Correlation tests. The results indicated that gender and age did not significantly influence the repertoire of known species, the frequency of contact with nature, or the accuracy in classifying species as native or exotic. However, 9th-grade students mentioned more species than 8th-grade students, suggesting a possible influence of schooling on fauna knowledge. Additionally, the perception of the impacts of species extinction and the choice of species prioritized for conservation were homogeneous across groups, indicating a collective understanding of the importance of preservation. Despite familiarity with some species, students showed difficulties in distinguishing between native and exotic fauna, highlighting the need to improve environmental education practices. It is concluded that more dynamic and contextualized methodologies, such as field activities and interactive educational resources, can contribute to strengthening biodiversity knowledge and fostering appreciation for local fauna.