## 1 Introduction  
In recent decades, conservationists have expressed growing concern about the lack of interest, sensitivity, and knowledge among younger generations regarding local flora and fauna [1]. Urbanisation and the technological boom have been postulated as the main drivers of the decline in local knowledge [2, 3]. The perception of urban life as synonymous with progress has reduced children's and adolescents' opportunities and interest in interacting with nature. Limited access to natural spaces and constrained time for outdoor exploration [2, 4, 5] hinder the development of emotional connections with the natural world [6]. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of electronic media, such as television, video games, and smartphones, has contributed to children and adolescents spending more time indoors and less time outdoors, further weakening their bond with nature [3, 7]. Most studies examining the loss of knowledge and sensitivity towards wildlife among children and youth have been conducted in developed Western countries, focusing primarily on the urban population [5, 8, 9, 10, 11]. In developing nations, where many people live in rural areas under different socio-ecological conditions (e.g., ethnic diversity, high poverty rates, low educational levels, and high biodiversity), such studies are scarce [12; 13; 14]. Many authors suggest that children and adolescents living in rural areas have more knowledge, sensitivity, and connection to nature than their counterparts living in urban areas [15; 16]. It is hypothesised that spending more time in nature generates stronger ties to it [17; 18]. However, this hypothesis cannot be universally applied due to the great cultural and ethnic diversity of rural regions worldwide. Surprisingly, some studies have begun to observe that children in certain rural areas are losing their connection to nature, probably due to increasing urbanisation and exposure to digital devices [13]. The Selva Maya is the second largest forest after the Amazon, located between Belize, Guatem and southern Mexico [19]. Its human settlements are located around protected natural areas, allowing people to coexist with diverse wildlife species [20]. This intimate contact with nature would imply that the children of these communities have knowledge and sympathy for wild species, which would translate into a greater willingness to conserve them [21]. However, this information is currently unknown, as studies on the perception and knowledge of wildlife in the Selva Maya have focused on a single species (e.g., the jaguar) and its different conservation problems, and have mainly been directed towards adults [22]. Based on the above, we consider it fundamental to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about wildlife held by children and young people living in rural communities in Latin America, especially in regions considered biodiversity hotspots. Several investigations have used species identification to evaluate children's and adolescents' knowledge, sensitivity, and connection with wildlife [23]. Understanding species-specific knowledge (e.g., naming species, recognising habitats, and understanding interactions) and emotional attitudes (e.g., liking or disliking specific animals) is crucial. These factors strongly predict attitudes toward wildlife and conservation support [24; 25; 26]. Some studies have found a positive correlation between increased knowledge and sympathy for species with increased willingness to conserve them [27; 28]. Therefore, information on the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Selva Maya children and adolescents towards native fauna is important, as they may be future decision-makers in conserving and using their natural resources [29]. Our study occurred in the rural municipality of Jose Maria Morelos (JMM) in southeastern Mexico. Its population is overwhelmingly poor (-80%), with low levels of formal education, and is composed mainly (41%) of children and adolescents between 0 and 19 years old [30].