Lesser devilray vs Lion

Mobula kuhlii compared with Panthera leo

Key Differences

• Lesser devilray is Endangered while Lion is Vulnerable.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Lesser devilray	Lion
Kingdom same	Animalia (حيوانات)	Animalia (حيوانات)
Phylum same	Chordata (حبليات)	Chordata (حبليات)
Class	Elasmobranchii	Mammalia (ثدييات)
Order	Myliobatiformes (لخمة بهشية)	Carnivora (لواحم)
Family	Myliobatidae	Felidae (Cats)
Genus	Mobula	Panthera (Big Cats)
Species	Mobula kuhlii	Panthera leo

Evolutionary Relationship

Lesser devilray and Lion share a common ancestor at the Phylum level: Chordata. (حبليات)

Conservation Status

Lesser devilray

EN — Endangered

Lion

VU — Vulnerable

Population: ~23.0K

Trend: Decreasing ↓

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Lesser devilray	Lion
Diet	—	Carnivore
Average Lifespan	—	15 years
Average Length	—	2.5 m
Average Weight	—	190.0 kg

Habitat & Geographic Range

Lesser devilray

Lion

Habitat

Found across multiple habitat types including tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical and subtropical grasslands and savannas, and flooded grasslands and savannas, among 7 distinct biome types spanning the Afrotropic and Neotropic and Oceanian realms. Populations are also found in montane and highland environments at higher elevations.

Range

Distributed across Colombia, Ecuador, and Kenya. Currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Lion

The largest wild cat in Africa, lions reach up to 250 kg and are the only social felids, living in prides across sub-Saharan savannas and grasslands. Males are distinguished by their iconic manes. As apex predators, they regulate herbivore populations and maintain ecosystem balance. Listed as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.