Are Students Aware of Endangered Animal Species? Knowledge About the Natural Environment and Sources of Knowledge Among Pedagogy Students

Biodiversity is an important environmental issue and one of the goals of sustainable development. The aim of the article is to present the results of a study on the knowledge of endangered animal species conducted on a group of 466 students, including 201 pedagogy students. Among pedagogy students endangered species are associated mostly with mammals, and usually exotic rather than native species. The study also concerns awareness of various issues related to environmental protection, as well as the sources of knowledge from which pedagogy students obtain information on environmental protection. The results of the study indicate the need to educate on local animal species, various natural interdependencies and the functioning of entire ecosystems. These topics should be taught as part of both formal and informal education.