Brazil is one of the signatory countries of the Convention on Biological Diversity (1998) and uses the Endangered Species Lists since the 1960s. In the most recent official list published in 2018, Atta robusta was included in the threatened (vulnerable) category (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation/ICMBIO, 2018). Also, the species has been the subject of several studies in recent years. Information about geographical distribution was published by Teixeira et al. (2003, 2004), and Dáttilo et al. (2012). Interactions with other organisms were studied by Teixeira (2007) and Gomes et al. (2013). The influence of the nests of A. robusta in nutrient cycling was evaluated by Madureira (2012). Information on foraging behavior is available in Edringer et al. (2011). The genetic structure of A. robusta populations was studied by Reis et al. (2014) and information on phylogenetic relationships with other species of the genus Atta can be found in Bacci et al. (2009). However, there are few population studies of A. robusta, and is concentrated in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro city (Fowler 1995) and no monitoring of populations has been done. Therefore, this project intends to fill the gap in population studies of A. robusta, officially listed as vulnerable to extinction in Brazil, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. In addition, there is little communication between scientists and society about species listed as endangered. Our project intends to combine scientific studies on the species with a work of scientific dissemination that sensitizes society to the need to conserve the species and its habitat.
The main objective is to study the populations of A. robusta and offer different subsidies to protect them through the community education in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The specific objectives are:

• Generate information on abundance and spatial/geographical distribution of A. robusta.
• Determine population size of in different ontogenic stages .
• Study the habitats (in condition, suitability and threats) in which A. robusta actually is recorded.
• Identify the sites which are a priority for the conservation of the species.
• Using participatory approaches, work with local people and authorities to sensitize and raise awareness on the ecological importance of A. robusta in selected villages.

With all the information gathered in this project, we will update the conservation status of the species in the National List of Endangered Species of Brazilian Fauna and submit it to be assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Moreover, A. robusta can be used as umbrella species to declare their priority habitats as protected natural areas and restore those areas that promote connectivity between populations. We intend to monitor population size of A. robusta in selected localities for at least two times during the next 10 years to detect population trends.