Hierarchic species-area relationships and the management of forest habitat islands in intensive farmland

► We applied a hierarchical framework to assess species-area relationships (SARs). ►Inter-and intra-patch SARs were computed for several forest types and species groups. ► Significant intra-patch SARs were obtained for all species groups and forest types. ► Dominant species and management reflected differently on distinct groups of species. ► Native plant diversity can be largely maintained in small, extensively managed forests.