which represents the fact that either the species was there, but was never detected, or the species was genuinely absent from the site (1-ψ). By combining these probabilistic statements for all N sites, maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters can be obtained.
The model framework of MacKenzie et al. (2002) is flexible enough to allow for missing observations: occasions when sites were not surveyed. Missing observations may result by design (it is not logistically possible to always sample all sites), or by accident (a technicians vehicle may breakdown enroute). In effect, a missing observation supplies no information about the detection or nondetection of the species, which is exactly how the model treats such values.
The model also enables parameters to be function of covariates. For example, occupancy probability may be a function of habitat, while detection probability is a function of environmental conditions such as air temperature. The model therefore allows relationships between occupancy state and site characteristics to be investigated. Covariates are entered into the model by way of the logistic model (or logit link).
A key assumption of the single season model is that all parameters are constant across sites. Failure of this creates heterogeneity. Unmodeled heterogeneity in detection probabilities will cause occupancy to be underestimated. If there is unmodelled heterogeneity in occupancy probabilities, then it is believed that the estimates will represent an average level of occupancy, provided detection probabilities are not directly related to the probability of occupancy.
Another major assumption of the MacKenzie et al. (2002) model is that the occupancy state of the sites does not change for the duration of the surveying. Situations where this may be violated, for instance, would be for species with large home ranges, where the species may temporarily be absent from the site during the surveying. If this process of temporary absence from the site may be viewed as a random process, (e.g., the species tosses a coin to decide whether it will be present at the site today), then this assumption may be relaxed. However, this will alter the interpretation of the model parameters ("occupancy" should be interpreted as "use" and "detection" as "in the site and detected"). More systematic mechanisms for temporary absences may be more problematic and create unknown biases. Although, users are reminded that the model assumes closure of the sites at the species level, not at the individual level, so there may be some movement of individuals to/from sites without overly affecting the model.