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

摘要: Abstract Habitat loss and fragmentation due to land use changes are major threats biodiversity in forest ecosystems, they expected have important impacts on many taxa at various spatial scales. Species richness area relationships (SARs) been used assess species diversity patterns drivers, thereby the establishment of conservation management strategies. Here we propose a hierarchical approach achieve deeper insights SARs small islets intensive farmland address decreasing naturalness such relationships. In dairy landscapes Northwest Portugal, where stands (dominated by pines, eucalypts or both) represent semi-natural habitat islands, 50 were selected surveyed for vascular plant diversity. A analytical framework was devised determine inter- intra-patch whole set patches (general patterns) each type (specific patterns). Differences distinct groups also tested considering subsets (native, alien, woody, herbaceous). Overall, values confirmed be different between exhibiting levels naturalness. Whereas higher found pine stands, alien observed eucalypt stands. Total (inter-patch SAR) not significant impact any targeted species. However, obtained all types. successfully applied scrutinise along gradient intensively managed landscapes. Dominant canopy tree intensity reflect differently as well compensate increasing stand area, buffering among patches, but within patches. Thus, maintenance dominated under extensive practices management, will promote native while same time contributing limit expansion problematic invasive