At the same time, conservationists are concerned about the overcutting of valuable plants such as hardwood trees and also the destruction of the rare plant species when the jungle is burned over for clearing. The many Amazonian plants are a valuable source for development of new hybrids. Silver carp, neon tetas and the flesh-eating piranhas are shipped to tropical fish stores throughout the world. The electric eel is a dangerous fish capable of discharging up to 500 volts. The wide range of vividly colored Amazonian birds includes hummingbirds, toucans and parrots.
Giant butterflies are among the most spectacular of the insects.
Sometimes, ocean waves dominate the Amazon stream and drive the river above, with waves of about 4.5 m height. Tourists use to go to Amazon river to see this phenomenon. Scientists of the world have been worried about the unregulated exploitation of the Amazon Basin, which can have devastating effects on its ecosystem. Because of this fact, the Amazon Basin has been the subject of study and discussion of environmental scientists in the world. The Amazon river was discovered by Francisco de Orellana, a Spanish explorer, in 1541.