SAN ANTONIO – The monarch butterflies have a special meaning in Mexico and parts of the United States, including South Texas. They migrate to Mexico in the fall, passing through South Texas, but their population is slowly dwindling. A study published in March showed a 53% decrease in areas in Mexico occupied by monarch butterflies last winter. In the 2019-2020 wintering season, the area of forest occupied by monarch butterflies was determined to be 7 acres, down from 15 acres the season before. The public can vote in an online survey for their favorite design for the new monarch butterfly conservation license plate.