自20世紀80年代(dai)中期，南(nan)華山腹地的海原縣水沖寺、五橋溝、靈光寺林(lin)場等幾個林(lin)業單位，成為當地林(lin)草植(zhi)被(bei)建設的重點區域。
1993年(nian)10月，海原縣在南華(hua)山成立(li)10萬(wan)畝水源涵養林基地建設指揮部。
1997年，在水(shui)源涵養(yang)林(lin)基地(di)建設(she)指(zhi)揮部的礎(chu)上(shang)，合并原南(nan)華(hua)山牧場，成(cheng)立南(nan)華(hua)山水(shui)源涵養(yang)林(lin)總場。
2004年(nian)，寧夏回(hui)族(zu)自(zi)治區(qu)(qu)九屆人大二次會議上，部(bu)分人大代表遞交了建立南(nan)華山(shan)自(zi)然保(bao)護區(qu)(qu)的議案，劃(hua)定南(nan)華山(shan)為省級自(zi)然保(bao)護區(qu)(qu)，2004年(nian)底，寧夏回(hui)族(zu)自(zi)治區(qu)(qu)人民(min)政府批準成立海原縣南(nan)華山(shan)區(qu)(qu)級自(zi)然保(bao)護區(qu)(qu)。 ?
2014年(nian)12月5日，經(jing)國務院(yuan)辦(ban)公廳批(pi)準，晉升為國家級自(zi)然保護區(qu)。
寧夏南華山國家級自然保護區位于寧夏回族(zu)自治區中(zhong)部(bu)的中(zhong)衛市海原縣，分布于縣域(yu)中(zhong)心部(bu)位。
南(nan)(nan)華山(shan)所屬區(qu)(qu)域(yu)大地(di)構造屬于較活動(dong)的秦(qin)(qin)祁昆地(di)槽褶(zhe)皺系“北(bei)祁連(lian)褶(zhe)皺系的北(bei)祁連(lian)走廊過渡帶(dai)”，按板塊構造觀點，本區(qu)(qu)域(yu)所屬大地(di)構造位置位于秦(qin)(qin)嶺(ling)—祁連(lian)活動(dong)帶(dai)祁連(lian)—北(bei)秦(qin)(qin)嶺(ling)褶(zhe)皺系的北(bei)祁連(lian)加里東(dong)褶(zhe)皺帶(dai)南(nan)(nan)華山(shan)斷褶(zhe)帶(dai)。
南華山出(chu)露地層由(you)老到新(xin)(xin)(xin)包括中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)元古(gu)(gu)(gu)界(jie)(jie)長城系(xi)(xi)南華山群（Chnh）、薊(ji)縣系(xi)(xi)園(yuan)河群（Jxyh）、下(xia)古(gu)(gu)(gu)生界(jie)(jie)志留系(xi)(xi)上統旱峽組(zu)（S3h）、上古(gu)(gu)(gu)生界(jie)(jie)泥盆系(xi)(xi)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)統石峽溝(gou)組(zu)（D2s）和石炭系(xi)(xi)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)統羊虎(hu)溝(gou)組(zu)（C2y）、中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)生界(jie)(jie)白堊系(xi)(xi)下(xia)統六盤山群（K1l）、新(xin)(xin)(xin)生界(jie)(jie)古(gu)(gu)(gu)近系(xi)(xi)始新(xin)(xin)(xin)統寺口(kou)子組(zu)（E2s）和漸新(xin)(xin)(xin)統清水營組(zu)（E2q）、新(xin)(xin)(xin)生界(jie)(jie)新(xin)(xin)(xin)近系(xi)(xi)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)新(xin)(xin)(xin)統紅柳溝(gou)組(zu)（N1h）和第四系(xi)(xi)沖、洪(hong)積物(wu)及黃土沉積。
南(nan)(nan)(nan)華山(shan)地區出露了早古生代中酸性巖(yan)(yan)(yan)漿巖(yan)(yan)(yan)，分布在(zai)山(shan)體西(xi)北、北東側(ce)和西(xi)側(ce)。南(nan)(nan)(nan)華山(shan)地區出露的花崗(gang)閃長巖(yan)(yan)(yan)體，受南(nan)(nan)(nan)西(xi)華山(shan)深(shen)大(da)斷(duan)裂控制，呈北西(xi)-南(nan)(nan)(nan)東向展布，構(gou)成(cheng)巖(yan)(yan)(yan)漿巖(yan)(yan)(yan)帶(dai)。分別沿(yan)南(nan)(nan)(nan)華山(shan)南(nan)(nan)(nan)、北斷(duan)裂帶(dai)侵入(ru)(ru)于元古界地層(ceng)中，呈巖(yan)(yan)(yan)株、巖(yan)(yan)(yan)瘤狀產出，屬(shu)淺成(cheng)侵入(ru)(ru)體。
南(nan)華山地(di)區位于寧夏南(nan)部向北(bei)東突出的弧(hu)形構(gou)(gou)造(zao)體系之中，屬(shu)于該體系年(nian)代(dai)新(xin)，晚(wan)新(xin)生(sheng)代(dai)以來持續(xu)上升(sheng)，構(gou)(gou)成西(xi)華山—南(nan)華山弧(hu)形構(gou)(gou)造(zao)山地(di)。
南(nan)華(hua)山(shan)(shan)地(di)(di)區出(chu)露老的(de)地(di)(di)層(ceng)為中(zhong)(zhong)元(yuan)古界長城系南(nan)華(hua)山(shan)(shan)群（Chnh），為一(yi)套(tao)綠片(pian)巖-云母片(pian)巖-大(da)理巖巖石組合，原(yuan)巖為海底火山(shan)(shan)巖和優(you)地(di)(di)槽(cao)型海相沉積(ji)，表明(ming)在(zai)中(zhong)(zhong)元(yuan)古代(dai)(dai)早期發(fa)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)強烈(lie)的(de)拉張和裂陷，中(zhong)(zhong)元(yuan)古代(dai)(dai)末期，在(zai)五臺運動作用下(xia)(xia)，轉變為擠壓體系，經(jing)過北祁連洋殼向(xiang)南(nan)側西寧—蘭(lan)州微板(ban)塊下(xia)(xia)俯沖，海槽(cao)封閉，褶皺(zhou)(zhou)隆起。早古生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)代(dai)(dai)再度(du)強烈(lie)拗陷，早古生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)代(dai)(dai)后期強烈(lie)的(de)加里東運動使北祁連海槽(cao)前(qian)(qian)(qian)寒武(wu)紀地(di)(di)層(ceng)褶皺(zhou)(zhou)抬升，并伴有中(zhong)(zhong)酸性巖漿巖體侵入。經(jing)剝(bo)蝕后，在(zai)山(shan)(shan)前(qian)(qian)(qian)低(di)地(di)(di)堆(dui)積(ji)了(le)(le)泥盆系陸相紅(hong)色(se)碎屑巖，經(jing)過夷平(ping)和沉降又接受了(le)(le)石炭系的(de)深灰色(se)泥巖夾砂巖和薄(bo)煤(mei)層(ceng)沉積(ji)。二疊紀早期本區基(ji)本上脫離了(le)(le)海洋環境(jing)發(fa)育陸相沉積(ji)。印(yin)支、燕山(shan)(shan)運動使該地(di)(di)區多(duo)次發(fa)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)褶皺(zhou)(zhou)與沖斷，進而控制了(le)(le)中(zhong)(zhong)、新(xin)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)代(dai)(dai)山(shan)(shan)間斷陷盆地(di)(di)的(de)發(fa)生(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)(sheng)與發(fa)展。山(shan)(shan)體進一(yi)步抬升，在(zai)山(shan)(shan)前(qian)(qian)(qian)前(qian)(qian)(qian)緣盆地(di)(di)內發(fa)育了(le)(le)白堊紀和第三紀沉積(ji)。?
南華山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)是寧(ning)夏南部(bu)六盤山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)、月亮(liang)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)、南華山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)、西(xi)華山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)弧形山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)地的(de)一(yi)部(bu)分，為(wei)侵蝕構造中(zhong)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)地地貌。山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)體呈(cheng)(cheng)西(xi)北—東南走向，山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)體內(nei)部(bu)沖溝切(qie)割強烈，斷層(ceng)巖壁較為(wei)發(fa)育；溝系呈(cheng)(cheng)放射(she)狀(zhuang)(zhuang)(zhuang)，羽狀(zhuang)(zhuang)(zhuang)展布；山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)脊呈(cheng)(cheng)尖(jian)棱狀(zhuang)(zhuang)(zhuang)、魚脊狀(zhuang)(zhuang)(zhuang)、齒狀(zhuang)(zhuang)(zhuang)，有的(de)經風化剝(bo)蝕成(cheng)渾(hun)圓狀(zhuang)(zhuang)(zhuang)。高峰馬(ma)萬山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)2954.6米(mi)，平均海拔(ba)2600米(mi)左(zuo)右(you)，溝口海拔(ba)一(yi)般北麓2000米(mi)，南麓2200米(mi)，相對高差700～900米(mi)左(zuo)右(you)。
南(nan)華(hua)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)地(di)(di)區(qu)地(di)(di)貌形成與演化明(ming)顯受地(di)(di)質構(gou)造(zao)和巖層(ceng)控制。南(nan)華(hua)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)—西華(hua)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)深大(da)斷(duan)(duan)裂從元古代開始一(yi)直影(ying)響本區(qu)的(de)構(gou)造(zao)和沉(chen)積(ji)。南(nan)華(hua)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)體(ti)自二疊紀(ji)早期脫離了(le)海洋環境后，長(chang)時期處(chu)于隆升剝蝕狀(zhuang)態，只是在(zai)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)前前緣(yuan)盆地(di)(di)內發(fa)育了(le)白堊紀(ji)和第(di)三紀(ji)沉(chen)積(ji)。中(zhong)新世(shi)時，曾先(xian)后發(fa)生(sheng)過兩(liang)次構(gou)造(zao)變(bian)(bian)形，造(zao)成了(le)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)體(ti)隆升和紅柳(liu)溝(gou)組(zu)與清水(shui)營組(zu)之(zhi)間的(de)角度(du)不整合(he)。上(shang)新世(shi)末期—更新世(shi)以(yi)來新構(gou)造(zao)運動活(huo)躍，構(gou)造(zao)變(bian)(bian)形在(zai)本區(qu)較中(zhong)新世(shi)兩(liang)次構(gou)造(zao)變(bian)(bian)形更加強烈，南(nan)、西華(hua)山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)北麓(lu)斷(duan)(duan)裂強烈活(huo)動，山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)體(ti)進(jin)一(yi)步隆升，盆地(di)(di)進(jin)一(yi)步斷(duan)(duan)陷，第(di)四紀(ji)地(di)(di)層(ceng)被錯斷(duan)(duan)，形成山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)邊斷(duan)(duan)陷，引起水(shui)系、山(shan)(shan)(shan)(shan)脊和階地(di)(di)的(de)變(bian)(bian)化。
寧夏南(nan)華(hua)山(shan)國家級自(zi)然保護區屬(shu)北(bei)溫帶(dai)大陸性季風(feng)氣(qi)(qi)候，氣(qi)(qi)溫由(you)山(shan)麓(lu)向山(shan)頂逐漸降(jiang)低(di)。南(nan)華(hua)山(shan)冷月(yue)在(zai)1月(yue)份，月(yue)平均(jun)氣(qi)(qi)溫為(wei)-9.8℃，熱月(yue)在(zai)7月(yue)，月(yue)平均(jun)氣(qi)(qi)溫為(wei)10.9℃，全年(nian)平均(jun)氣(qi)(qi)溫為(wei)0.8℃，年(nian)較差 20.7℃。平均(jun)年(nian)降(jiang)雨量為(wei) 495.5毫米，降(jiang)雨主要分(fen)布在(zai)植(zhi)物生長(chang)季的5～9月(yue)份，占(zhan)全年(nian)降(jiang)雨量的77.15%。
寧夏南(nan)華山(shan)(shan)國(guo)家級(ji)自然保護區水(shui)文特點是(shi)山(shan)(shan)間河(he)谷及山(shan)(shan)洪溝(gou)較多，但(dan)地(di)表徑流(liu)(liu)不大，多為間歇河(he)，季節性變化(hua)大，遇到暴雨即發洪水(shui)，雨后基本干涸，部分降水(shui)滲入地(di)下(xia)(xia)，以泉水(shui)的(de)形式溢(yi)出；地(di)下(xia)(xia)水(shui)受地(di)質構(gou)造的(de)影響，而大氣降水(shui)是(shi)地(di)下(xia)(xia)水(shui)的(de)重要補給來源。南(nan)華山(shan)(shan)山(shan)(shan)體內部沖(chong)溝(gou)切割強烈，溝(gou)谷水(shui)系(xi)呈放射狀、羽(yu)狀展布(bu)，分別屬于清水(shui)河(he)水(shui)系(xi)二(er)級(ji)流(liu)(liu)域的(de)西(xi)河(he)流(liu)(liu)域和莧(xian)(xian)麻(ma)河(he)流(liu)(liu)域。南(nan)華山(shan)(shan)有大小沖(chong)溝(gou)約35條，分別匯入西(xi)河(he)、莧(xian)(xian)麻(ma)河(he)。
寧夏南華山(shan)國家級自然保護(hu)區內林草茂(mao)密(mi)，植被覆蓋(gai)度高，有利(li)于涵(han)養水源(yuan)，降(jiang)水滲入地下，在山(shan)麓以(yi)泉眼的形成溢出地表，是(shi)周圍鄉(xiang)（鎮）人(ren)畜(chu)飲(yin)水的重(zhong)要水源(yuan)。
寧夏南華山(shan)國家級自(zi)然保(bao)護區由于不(bu)(bu)(bu)同的(de)海拔高(gao)度(du)，陰坡和(he)陽坡，所(suo)接(jie)受的(de)陽光不(bu)(bu)(bu)同、降水和(he)相對濕(shi)度(du)的(de)不(bu)(bu)(bu)同、植被類型的(de)不(bu)(bu)(bu)同，形成(cheng)以垂直地帶性(xing)土壤(rang)灰褐土和(he)山(shan)麓為基帶土壤(rang)黑壚土為主的(de)土類。
灰(hui)(hui)褐土(tu)(tu)一般分布在海拔(ba)2000～2955米之間，其下部(bu)與(yu)水平(ping)地帶性(xing)土(tu)(tu)壤黑壚土(tu)(tu)銜接，成(cheng)土(tu)(tu)母質(zhi)(zhi)為紅(hong)色(se)、紫紅(hong)色(se)和雜色(se)砂巖、灰(hui)(hui)綠色(se)云母片巖的(de)風化物，土(tu)(tu)壤有(you)機(ji)質(zhi)(zhi)含量高(gao)，黑色(se)腐殖質(zhi)(zhi)層較厚，有(you)輕(qing)度淋溶現象發生，剖面中(zhong)下部(bu)質(zhi)(zhi)地較表層土(tu)(tu)黏(nian)，有(you)石灰(hui)(hui)淀積。分為暗灰(hui)(hui)褐土(tu)(tu)：主(zhu)要分布在海拔(ba)2600米以上的(de)山脊和陰坡中(zhong)上部(bu)比較平(ping)緩處(chu)；石灰(hui)(hui)性(xing)灰(hui)(hui)褐土(tu)(tu)：大部(bu)分位(wei)于海拔(ba)2600米以下的(de)陰坡及山谷(gu)兩旁。
黑壚土(tu)類是(shi)南華山的(de)基帶土(tu)壤(rang)，一般(ban)分布在(zai)海拔(ba)2000米以(yi)下的(de)山麓(lu)或低山丘(qiu)陵(ling)區，成土(tu)母質多為第四紀黃土(tu)。顯(xian)著的(de)特征是(shi)剖面中有比較深厚、暗灰(hui)色的(de)有機質層(ceng)和明顯(xian)的(de)石灰(hui)質假菌絲體，整個剖面質地比較均一，土(tu)壤(rang)比較肥沃。
寧夏南華山(shan)國(guo)家級(ji)自然保護區(qu)地(di)域(yu)范圍分別與海城(cheng)鎮(zhen)、史店鄉、曹(cao)洼鄉、紅羊鄉、樹臺鄉和(he)西安鎮(zhen)接壤。其地(di)理坐標為東(dong)經105°31′-105°44′，北緯36°20′-36°33′，呈(cheng)西北-東(dong)南走向(xiang)，南北寬19.2千(qian)米，東(dong)西長26.4千(qian)米，總面積20100.5公頃。
按照自然保(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)功(gong)能(neng)區(qu)(qu)(qu)劃要求，寧(ning)夏南華山國家(jia)級自然保(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)被區(qu)(qu)(qu)劃為(wei)實驗區(qu)(qu)(qu)、緩(huan)沖(chong)區(qu)(qu)(qu)和核心區(qu)(qu)(qu)三個功(gong)能(neng)區(qu)(qu)(qu)。其(qi)中(zhong)，核心區(qu)(qu)(qu)6182.1公(gong)頃(qing)，緩(huan)沖(chong)區(qu)(qu)(qu)5235.3公(gong)頃(qing)，實驗區(qu)(qu)(qu)8683.1公(gong)頃(qing)。東(dong)南以(yi)亂(luan)堆子(zi)、洼(wa)里、老虎(hu)崾峴(xian)、柳(liu)樹灣(wan)、莧麻灣(wan)、石塘(tang)為(wei)界(jie)(jie)，西部(bu)以(yi)種田溝(gou)、水(shui)擔溝(gou)，新莊子(zi)、崾峴(xian)、陽屲、王坡(po)、龔(gong)灣(wan)為(wei)界(jie)(jie)，北部(bu)以(yi)菜(cai)園、野狐(hu)坡(po)、刺(ci)兒(er)溝(gou)、小山、山門、蘆子(zi)溝(gou)、油房院(yuan)為(wei)界(jie)(jie)。四至界(jie)(jie)限以(yi)標牌、宣(xuan)傳欄(lan)、巡(xun)護(hu)道路及鐵絲圍欄(lan)為(wei)明顯標志。
寧夏(xia)南華山(shan)國家級(ji)自然保護(hu)區的主要保護(hu)對象為山(shan)地森林(lin)生(sheng)態系(xi)統(tong)(tong)和山(shan)地草原與(yu)草甸生(sheng)態系(xi)統(tong)(tong)。
截至2013年，寧夏(xia)南華(hua)(hua)山國家(jia)級(ji)(ji)(ji)自然(ran)保護(hu)區共(gong)有野(ye)生維管植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu) 426 種(zhong)(zhong)（包括種(zhong)(zhong)以下單(dan)位(wei)），隸屬(shu)58科，203屬(shu)。其中(zhong)蕨類(lei)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)2科2屬(shu)4種(zhong)(zhong)；裸子(zi)(zi)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)2科5屬(shu)6種(zhong)(zhong)；被子(zi)(zi)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)54科196屬(shu)416種(zhong)(zhong)。保護(hu)區近一半(ban)的(de)(de)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)都有程度不(bu)同、類(lei)型不(bu)同的(de)(de)資源價值，多屬(shu)于(yu)資源植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)。其中(zhong)有藥用植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)60余(yu)種(zhong)(zhong)，如黃芪(qi)、升麻、黨參、天仙子(zi)(zi)、補血草(cao)(cao)等(deng)；有油料(liao)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)十余(yu)種(zhong)(zhong)，如山杏、風花菜(cai)(cai)、虎榛子(zi)(zi)等(deng)；有飼草(cao)(cao)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)20余(yu)種(zhong)(zhong)，如大針(zhen)茅、長芒草(cao)(cao)、短花針(zhen)茅等(deng)；有園林(lin)綠化與材用經濟植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)30余(yu)種(zhong)(zhong)，如華(hua)(hua)北紫丁香、毛(mao)葉(xie)忍(ren)冬等(deng)。南華(hua)(hua)山的(de)(de)野(ye)生植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)中(zhong)還(huan)有淀粉植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、纖維植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、單(dan)寧植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、花卉觀賞(shang)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、食用果菜(cai)(cai)類(lei)、蜜源植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、芳(fang)香植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)等(deng)多種(zhong)(zhong)用途的(de)(de)野(ye)生植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)，有的(de)(de)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)兼(jian)具多種(zhong)(zhong)價值。有國家(jia)一級(ji)(ji)(ji)重點保護(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)發菜(cai)(cai)，二(er)級(ji)(ji)(ji)重點保護(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)蒙古扁桃(tao)、華(hua)(hua)北駝(tuo)絨藜、短芒披堿草(cao)(cao)、中(zhong)麻黃。
寧夏在中(zhong)國動物(wu)地理區(qu)劃上(shang)跨蒙新(xin)(xin)區(qu)的東部草原亞區(qu)、西部荒(huang)漠亞區(qu)和(he)華(hua)(hua)北區(qu)的黃土高原亞區(qu)三個(ge)亞區(qu)。寧夏南(nan)華(hua)(hua)山國家級自(zi)然保護區(qu)處在蒙新(xin)(xin)區(qu)的西部荒(huang)漠亞區(qu)邊緣。從(cong)動物(wu)區(qu)系成分上(shang)來看(kan)，蒙新(xin)(xin)區(qu)成分占有優(you)勢(shi)，華(hua)(hua)北區(qu)與蒙新(xin)(xin)區(qu)物(wu)種(zhong)混雜程度大，帶有明顯的過渡特征。?
截至2013年，寧夏南華山國家級自然保(bao)護區(qu)有(you)脊椎動物有(you)5綱26目(mu)(mu)57科126屬(shu)(shu)(shu)173種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)（含(han)(han)116亞(ya)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)）。其(qi)中，魚綱2目(mu)(mu)3科8屬(shu)(shu)(shu)9種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，兩(liang)棲綱1目(mu)(mu)2科2屬(shu)(shu)(shu)3種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，爬行綱2目(mu)(mu)5科6屬(shu)(shu)(shu)10種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)（含(han)(han)1亞(ya)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)），鳥綱15目(mu)(mu)33科80屬(shu)(shu)(shu)115種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)（含(han)(han)80亞(ya)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)），哺乳(ru)綱6目(mu)(mu)14科 30屬(shu)(shu)(shu)36種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)（含(han)(han)35亞(ya)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)）。以鳥類(lei)占(zhan)優勢，哺乳(ru)類(lei)次之，兩(liang)棲類(lei)少。
在脊(ji)椎動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)資源中(zhong)(zhong)，有(you)國(guo)家重點(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)22種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，其中(zhong)(zhong)屬于(yu)國(guo)家Ⅰ級(ji)(ji)(ji)重點(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)為(wei)金雕1種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，Ⅱ級(ji)(ji)(ji)重點(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)21種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，其中(zhong)(zhong)鳥(niao)類Ⅱ級(ji)(ji)(ji)重點(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)物(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)17種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)（有(you)：鳶、蒼(cang)鷹(ying)、雀鷹(ying)、松雀鷹(ying)、大天(tian)鵝、草原雕、禿鷲、白尾鷂(yao)、獵隼(sun)、燕(yan)隼(sun)、紅腳隼(sun)、紅隼(sun)、雕鴞、長(chang)耳(er)鴞、縱紋腹小鴞等），哺乳類Ⅱ級(ji)(ji)(ji)重點(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)物(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)4種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)（荒(huang)漠貓(mao)、兔獼、豹貓(mao)、巖羊）。《瀕危野生動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)植物(wu)(wu)(wu)物(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)際(ji)貿易公約》（CITES）規定(ding)的(de)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)類25種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，列(lie)(lie)入(ru)國(guo)際(ji)自然保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)聯盟(meng)（IUCN）瀕危物(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)等級(ji)(ji)(ji)動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)名錄的(de)有(you)24種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，列(lie)(lie)入(ru)《中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)瀕危動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)紅皮(pi)書》動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)名錄的(de)有(you)9種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，有(you)中(zhong)(zhong)日(ri)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)候鳥(niao)及(ji)其棲息環(huan)境協(xie)定(ding)規定(ding)的(de)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)鳥(niao)類42種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，有(you)中(zhong)(zhong)澳保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)候鳥(niao)及(ji)其棲息環(huan)境協(xie)定(ding)規定(ding)的(de)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)鳥(niao)類13種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，列(lie)(lie)入(ru)國(guo)家保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)的(de)有(you)益(yi)的(de)或者有(you)重要經(jing)濟、科學(xue)研究價值的(de)陸生野生動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)名錄的(de)有(you)65種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，屬于(yu)寧夏重點(dian)(dian)(dian)保(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)有(you)35種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。
寧夏南華(hua)山國家級自然保(bao)(bao)護區有(you)昆(kun)蟲16目(mu)(mu)(mu)132科(ke)(ke)(ke)530種(zhong)。主要由鞘(qiao)翅(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)、鱗(lin)翅(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)、半翅(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)、雙(shuang)翅(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)、直翅(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)和膜(mo)翅(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)種(zhong)類組成，其中鞘(qiao)翅(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)34科(ke)(ke)(ke)179種(zhong)、鱗(lin)翅(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)26科(ke)(ke)(ke)156種(zhong)、半翅(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)18科(ke)(ke)(ke)56種(zhong)，6個目(mu)(mu)(mu)的科(ke)(ke)(ke)數為(wei)110科(ke)(ke)(ke)、占保(bao)(bao)護區昆(kun)蟲總科(ke)(ke)(ke)數的83.33%，物種(zhong)數為(wei)480種(zhong)、占保(bao)(bao)護區昆(kun)蟲總種(zhong)類數的90.56%。
寧夏南華(hua)山國家級自然保(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)管理機構為(wei)南華(hua)山自然保(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)管理處，實行三級管理體制，行政上直屬海原縣人民政府(fu)領導，業(ye)務(wu)(wu)接受寧夏林業(ye)局(ju)和中衛市林業(ye)局(ju)指導。保(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)管理處下設(she)辦(ban)公室、科研中心(xin)、計劃財務(wu)(wu)科、管理站(zhan)、保(bao)護(hu)點、檢查站(zhan)。
寧夏南華山國家級自然保護區(qu)(qu)功能區(qu)(qu)劃(hua)調(diao)整(zheng)后，原來設立在四(si)橋(qiao)的管理機(ji)構成為核心區(qu)(qu)，管理機(ji)構搬(ban)遷(qian)到縣城，由縣政府調(diao)劑辦公場地。
截至2013年，寧夏南華山國家級(ji)自然保護區有管(guan)理站6個、瞭望塔2個、設立(li)解說牌2塊(kuai)，大宣傳牌2塊(kuai)，小宣傳牌60塊(kuai)。在周邊設立(li)固定標準地60塊(kuai)。配有少量計算機等(deng)辦公設備(bei)，及公務車、對講機、GPS、通訊和科(ke)研設備(bei)等(deng)。
巧笑倩兮 
