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More than 450 students from eight colleges and universities across the southern part of the country are in Jonesboro for a 3-day wildlife convention.

The 2004 Southern Wildlife Conclave, hosted by the Arkansas State University Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society, will end today with an awards banquet at the Holiday Inn, 3006 South Caraway Road.

The event was the first hosted by ASU, said Dr. Tom Risch, assistant professor of environmental biology.

"It's actually the first time it's been in the state of Arkansas," he said.

Risch said ASU students have attended similar conclaves for several years and volunteered to serve as the host school this year.

"We're glad we're doing it," he said Friday. "It's going really well."

One of the main events is a competition among the schools.

"What we're going to be doing is having a quiz bowl," with final rounds scheduled for 8 a.m.-noon today at the ASU Fowler Center, Risch said.

During the competitions students answered questions on a variety of wildlife-related subjects, including plants and animals. A game-calling competition was held Thursday night, and students spent Friday morning on field trips and in workshops.

This afternoon students will compete in field competitions at Craighead Forest Park.

Other Arkansas teams are from Arkansas Tech University at Russellville, University of Arkansas at Monticello and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Risch noted that about 40 students from ASU have attended the event.

"It's been the students who have been doing the work (for the conclave)," he added.

Students have raised funds for several months to cover event expenses.

The conclave wasn't all work for those involved and in attendance, however. Other events included socials Thursday and Friday nights at the Holidome.

--LeAnn Askins