Why did pressure increase on remaining pastures due to colonial policies?

Correct answer: Because many old grazing areas were closed or converted to cultivation

The direct answer is A: pressure increased because many former grazing areas were closed or converted to cultivation. Pressure on a resource means that many users must depend on a smaller available supply. Step by step: colonial policies reserved or closed some forests and grazing lands; other areas were brought under farming; the total open pasture became smaller; herders and animals had to use the remaining land more heavily; overuse and conflict could follow. Option A is correct because it explains both causes of the shortage. B is wrong because animals did not stop grazing; grazing demand remained. C is wrong because the number of usable pastures did not greatly increase. D is wrong because forests were not completely freed; controls generally remained or expanded. Remember the chain: less land plus similar herds equals greater pressure on remaining pasture.