Environmental perception studies are of great importance for understanding the different existing conceptions of the same environment, in order to assist in the development of educational actions that promote awareness and the construction of ethical and critical subjects towards the environment. The bibliographic survey carried out for the execution of this work revealed that 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. Currently, more than 100 million people live in its domain, depending directly on its environmental services, essential for this entire population. Since then, realizing a gap in studies in the area of faunal environmental perception of the Atlantic Forest and the need to understand the students view of the issue, this study aimed to understand the perception of adolescents in the 8th grade of elementary school of eight schools, public and private, 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. Data collection took place through a structured online questionnaire, which induces the respondent to answer previously established questions. All 18 students participating in the survey answered the same questionnaire with a total of 11 questions. The research showed 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, recognizing the importance of ecosystem services for the existence of life. Knowing the different environmental perceptions of students is essential in the work of conservation of the Atlantic Forest and its faunal diversity, as this is the only way to understand the different feelings, interactions and meanings that these individuals have in relation to the environment.