[2][3] 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.

[4] There are two major types of lizard pattern, horizontal like the original French design, and vertical like the early variant developed by Portugal.

A copy of the French pattern, made in Asia, was adopted by some African countries such as Chad, Gabon, Rwanda, and Sudan.

[2] The Israel Defence Force used actual French lizard uniforms (donated by France) until 1968, alongside plain (unpatterned) battledress.

With the Portuguese Military engaged in the Overseas Wars mainly fought in the African jungles, the camouflaged uniform was issued throughout the whole Army and some units of the Navy and Air Force.

[9] The Portuguese vertical lizard pattern was adopted by Brazil, which developed a range of colorways for each of its armed services.