Brazilian Lizard Camouflage
Brazilian Lizard, commonly known in Brazil as Rajada, is the distinctive vertical-striped camouflage pattern associated particularly with the Brazilian Army (Exército Brasileiro). It belongs to the broader Lizard camouflage family, whose lineage is strongly connected to the Portuguese vertical Lizard patterns developed from the earlier French Lizard designs.
Design
The most recognizable Brazilian Army version consists of irregular vertical brushstroke-like stripes rather than the horizontal strokes found on classic French Lizard.
History
Brazil's Lizard camouflage has an interesting development history. The Brazilian Army's original Lizard design was developed in 1977 by personnel working with the Army's research and development organization. An early version included black, but black was reportedly discarded because it was considered too conspicuous in jungle environments.
An early Brazilian design was influenced by Portuguese Red Lizard, while the later standardized Brazilian Army pattern became the familiar green-and-purplish-brown vertical design.
The pattern became established with the Brazilian Army during the 1980s, with the current Rajada style documented from approximately 1986 onward.
Use and Legacy
Brazilian Army Lizard has been used on combat uniforms and other military clothing and equipment for decades. The pattern has undergone numerous fabric and color variations while retaining its recognizable basic design.
Even as Brazil has introduced newer camouflage concepts and updated uniform systems, the traditional Lizard pattern remains an important part of Brazilian military visual identity. The Brazilian Marines, for example, have retained their traditional Lizard pattern while also introducing newer specialized camouflage for other environments.
Summary
Brazilian Lizard (Rajada) is a classic vertical Lizard camouflage characterized by dark green and purplish-brown vertical brushstrokes over a pale green background. Developed in Brazil during the 1970s and standardized into wider Army use during the 1980s, it was strongly influenced by the Portuguese Lizard tradition but developed into a distinctly Brazilian design. Its multiple color variations across the Army, Navy, and Air Force make it one of the most interesting Lizard camouflage families in military history.
