During his eight years in office, U.S. President Barack Obama protected more natural habitat than any American president in history. As president, Obama placed 548 million acres — from Arctic tundra to Pacific coral reefs — under protection, 50% more than famed conservationist and founder of the US National Parks, President Theodore Roosevelt.

In total, Obama added 22 parks to the US National Park system,  Charlie Northcott reports for BBC News. The outgoing president also created the two largest marine reserves on earth, and the second largest desert reserve.