Which term refers to maintaining habitats in their natural, unaltered state?

The term that specifically refers to maintaining habitats in their natural, unaltered state is preservation. Preservation emphasizes the protection of ecosystems and wildlife by safeguarding them against human intrusion and alteration. This approach often involves designating areas as protected to prevent development, pollution, and other activities that could disrupt the natural environment.

In contrast, conservation generally pertains to the responsible management of natural resources with the aim of ensuring their sustainability for future generations, which may include active involvement in resource management. Restoration involves taking action to restore ecosystems that have been degraded, damaged, or destroyed, while rehabilitation refers to improving environments to a certain level of health, but not necessarily returning them to their original condition. Thus, preservation is distinct in its focus on keeping habitats intact and untouched by human influence.