I have one site covariate which is categorical (habitat feature = clearing, stream etc.), I have converted this covariate into four (5-1) indicator variables to be included in single-species, single-season occupancy models.
My question is whether these indicator variables must always be modelled together, or can they be modelled independently? I have noticed that one of the habitat features appears to have a significant effect on occupancy, but when modelled alongside the other indicator variables the model is not ranked highly.
As one habitat feature offers a good explanation for site occupancy but the other habitat features do not, can this habitat feature be modelled independently?
Any guidance would be appreciated as I'm new to occupancy modelling.
Thank you.