Lizard (camouflage)

The lizard pattern, also called TAP 47 (Airborne Troops 47) or Leopard pattern for the French is a family of many related designs of military camouflage pattern, first used by the French Army on uniforms from 1947 to the late 1980s. It was based on the British paratroopers' Denison smock. The use of the pattern is widespread in Africa, despite its association with France, because armed factions and militaries tend to obtain them from whichever source has it available. There are two major types of lizard pattern, horizontal like the original French design, and vertical like the early variant developed by Portugal. In addition, the Vietnam War tiger stripe camouflage pattern is descended from Lizard.