The people of Adiok Itam in Itu local government of AkwaIbom State have a folklore passed down through generations of a primate that saved the life of their ancestor, resulting in a long-standing taboo on killing or eating any primate in Adiok Itam.
On this background, a biodiversity preservation centre has been established enclosing Adiok Itam village where these animals roam freely and interact with the natives in the village, helping them keep their farms free from grasscutters.

✓ A Game Reserve

Outside this village, away from the reserve, these baboons would be hunted for food as bush-meat. Due to hunger and illiteracy, the concept of endangered animals is not understood by local hunters. This preservation centre houses different primates, birds and reptiles, built around a small forest area with a natural stream that irrigates the area

A sign indicating that the monkeys and other animals in this area are protected and must not be hunted. _{Click for a clearer picture}

This initiative is built on a local belief and is supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and also has the backing of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The Sclater’s Guenon (Chlorocebus sclateri) is one of the most important primates in the biodiversity preservation centre. According to a paper uploaded by Daniel Etim Jacob,

Parameters	Jacob (2012)
Survey method	Line transect
Mean encounter rate (n/L)	1.18
Cluster/group density (/km)	16.86±0.99
Individual density (/km)	82±2.64
Population density (D)	57.40±1.85
Mean weight (kg)	3.25
Biomass density (kg/km²)	266.5±8.58
Population biomass (kg)	190.35±9.81

✓ What causes habitat and environmental changes so that this animal is threatened with extinction

These and other animals have been hunted for food, their home have been invaded by farmers who clear the land for farming and the trees are being cut down for firewood. These activities have pushed these animals to the brink of extinction, losing their home and food source.

✓ Why has this animal become a typical animal of that region or country?

Due to some handed-down folklore, the natives of Ikot Uso Akpan Community, Itu, Nigeria, believe that these animals have saved and protected their community and now need to be protected by the local people in return.
If you would like to visit this sanctuary, note that the monkeys stray away to hunt and look for food in the afternoon. So you can see them in the morning or evening hours when they come back to the safety of the sanctuary.

✓ Legal Status and Legal Protection

National Legislation:[1985]
In Nigeria, the Diana monkey, along with other endangered animals, are being protected under national laws like the Endangered Species Act of 1985, That covers the control of International trade and trafficking of these animals, regulating and prohibiting trade in endangered species and their products. [CITES]

National Parks Service Act:
Upholds the right to establish national parks or game reserves intending to protect wildlife and their habitats.

Licensing requirements:
I can't keep a tiger as a pet, this law requires
that I have a licence. It covers the hunting o animals, trading, or keeping certain animals.

Animal welfare provisions:
This provisions spells out how to care for animal, their sales, and handling, failing to compliance attracts fines up to 100,000 Naira (500 Steem) for keeping dangerous animals without a license.

Conclusion and Invitation

Animals need to be protected against abuse, and these laws and sanctuaries help keep them safe from hunters and thrill seekers.

I am now inviting @okere-blessing, @kesybliss and @udyliciouz