自(zi)20世紀80年代(dai)中期，南華山腹地(di)的海原縣水沖(chong)寺、五(wu)橋溝(gou)、靈(ling)光寺林(lin)場等幾個(ge)林(lin)業單位，成為(wei)當(dang)地(di)林(lin)草植被建設的重點區域。
1993年10月(yue)，海原縣在南華山成(cheng)立10萬畝(mu)水源涵(han)養林基地建設指揮部。
1997年，在(zai)水(shui)(shui)源涵養(yang)(yang)林(lin)(lin)基(ji)地建設指(zhi)揮部的礎上，合并原南(nan)華(hua)山(shan)牧場，成立南(nan)華(hua)山(shan)水(shui)(shui)源涵養(yang)(yang)林(lin)(lin)總場。
2004年(nian)，寧夏(xia)回族自治區(qu)九屆人大二次會議(yi)(yi)上，部分人大代(dai)表遞交了建立南(nan)華山自然保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)的議(yi)(yi)案(an)，劃定(ding)南(nan)華山為(wei)省級(ji)自然保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)，2004年(nian)底，寧夏(xia)回族自治區(qu)人民政府(fu)批準(zhun)成(cheng)立海原縣(xian)南(nan)華山區(qu)級(ji)自然保(bao)護(hu)(hu)區(qu)。 ?
2014年12月5日，經國(guo)(guo)務院(yuan)辦公廳批準，晉升為(wei)國(guo)(guo)家級自然(ran)保護(hu)區。
寧(ning)夏南(nan)華山國(guo)家級(ji)自(zi)然保(bao)護(hu)區位于寧(ning)夏回族自(zi)治區中(zhong)部(bu)的(de)中(zhong)衛市海原縣，分布于縣域中(zhong)心部(bu)位。
南(nan)華山所屬(shu)(shu)區域大地(di)構(gou)造屬(shu)(shu)于較活動的(de)秦(qin)祁(qi)昆地(di)槽褶皺(zhou)(zhou)系“北(bei)祁(qi)連(lian)(lian)褶皺(zhou)(zhou)系的(de)北(bei)祁(qi)連(lian)(lian)走廊過渡帶”，按(an)板(ban)塊構(gou)造觀點(dian)，本(ben)區域所屬(shu)(shu)大地(di)構(gou)造位置位于秦(qin)嶺—祁(qi)連(lian)(lian)活動帶祁(qi)連(lian)(lian)—北(bei)秦(qin)嶺褶皺(zhou)(zhou)系的(de)北(bei)祁(qi)連(lian)(lian)加里東褶皺(zhou)(zhou)帶南(nan)華山斷褶帶。
南(nan)華山出露地層由老(lao)到新(xin)(xin)包括中元古界(jie)(jie)長城(cheng)系(xi)南(nan)華山群(qun)（Chnh）、薊(ji)縣系(xi)園河群(qun)（Jxyh）、下(xia)古生(sheng)界(jie)(jie)志留系(xi)上統旱(han)峽組(zu)（S3h）、上古生(sheng)界(jie)(jie)泥盆系(xi)中統石(shi)峽溝(gou)組(zu)（D2s）和石(shi)炭系(xi)中統羊(yang)虎溝(gou)組(zu)（C2y）、中生(sheng)界(jie)(jie)白堊系(xi)下(xia)統六盤山群(qun)（K1l）、新(xin)(xin)生(sheng)界(jie)(jie)古近系(xi)始新(xin)(xin)統寺口子(zi)組(zu)（E2s）和漸新(xin)(xin)統清水營(ying)組(zu)（E2q）、新(xin)(xin)生(sheng)界(jie)(jie)新(xin)(xin)近系(xi)中新(xin)(xin)統紅柳溝(gou)組(zu)（N1h）和第四(si)系(xi)沖、洪積物及黃土(tu)沉(chen)積。
南華(hua)山(shan)地區出露(lu)(lu)了(le)早(zao)古生代中(zhong)酸性巖(yan)漿巖(yan)，分布(bu)在山(shan)體西(xi)(xi)北、北東側和(he)西(xi)(xi)側。南華(hua)山(shan)地區出露(lu)(lu)的花崗閃長巖(yan)體，受南西(xi)(xi)華(hua)山(shan)深大斷裂控制，呈(cheng)北西(xi)(xi)-南東向展布(bu)，構成巖(yan)漿巖(yan)帶(dai)。分別(bie)沿(yan)南華(hua)山(shan)南、北斷裂帶(dai)侵入于(yu)元古界地層中(zhong)，呈(cheng)巖(yan)株、巖(yan)瘤狀產出，屬淺成侵入體。
南華山地(di)區位于(yu)寧夏南部向北東突出的弧(hu)形(xing)構造(zao)體系(xi)之中(zhong)，屬于(yu)該體系(xi)年代新(xin)，晚新(xin)生(sheng)代以來持續(xu)上升(sheng)，構成(cheng)西(xi)華山—南華山弧(hu)形(xing)構造(zao)山地(di)。
南華山(shan)(shan)(shan)地(di)(di)區出(chu)露(lu)老(lao)的地(di)(di)層為(wei)中(zhong)元(yuan)古(gu)界(jie)長城(cheng)系(xi)(xi)南華山(shan)(shan)(shan)群（Chnh），為(wei)一(yi)套綠片巖(yan)(yan)(yan)-云(yun)母片巖(yan)(yan)(yan)-大(da)理(li)巖(yan)(yan)(yan)巖(yan)(yan)(yan)石組合，原(yuan)巖(yan)(yan)(yan)為(wei)海底火(huo)山(shan)(shan)(shan)巖(yan)(yan)(yan)和優地(di)(di)槽(cao)型海相沉(chen)積，表明在中(zhong)元(yuan)古(gu)代(dai)早(zao)期(qi)(qi)發(fa)(fa)生(sheng)(sheng)強(qiang)烈的拉張和裂陷(xian)，中(zhong)元(yuan)古(gu)代(dai)末期(qi)(qi)，在五臺(tai)運動作用下(xia)，轉變為(wei)擠壓體系(xi)(xi)，經過北祁連洋殼向南側西寧(ning)—蘭州微板塊下(xia)俯沖，海槽(cao)封閉，褶皺(zhou)隆起(qi)。早(zao)古(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)代(dai)再度強(qiang)烈拗(ao)陷(xian)，早(zao)古(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)代(dai)后期(qi)(qi)強(qiang)烈的加里東運動使北祁連海槽(cao)前(qian)(qian)寒(han)武紀地(di)(di)層褶皺(zhou)抬升，并伴有中(zhong)酸(suan)性巖(yan)(yan)(yan)漿巖(yan)(yan)(yan)體侵(qin)入。經剝蝕后，在山(shan)(shan)(shan)前(qian)(qian)低地(di)(di)堆(dui)積了(le)(le)泥(ni)盆(pen)系(xi)(xi)陸相紅(hong)色碎屑巖(yan)(yan)(yan)，經過夷平和沉(chen)降又接受(shou)了(le)(le)石炭系(xi)(xi)的深灰(hui)色泥(ni)巖(yan)(yan)(yan)夾砂巖(yan)(yan)(yan)和薄(bo)煤層沉(chen)積。二疊紀早(zao)期(qi)(qi)本區基本上(shang)脫離了(le)(le)海洋環境發(fa)(fa)育陸相沉(chen)積。印支、燕山(shan)(shan)(shan)運動使該(gai)地(di)(di)區多次發(fa)(fa)生(sheng)(sheng)褶皺(zhou)與沖斷(duan)，進(jin)而控制(zhi)了(le)(le)中(zhong)、新生(sheng)(sheng)代(dai)山(shan)(shan)(shan)間斷(duan)陷(xian)盆(pen)地(di)(di)的發(fa)(fa)生(sheng)(sheng)與發(fa)(fa)展。山(shan)(shan)(shan)體進(jin)一(yi)步抬升，在山(shan)(shan)(shan)前(qian)(qian)前(qian)(qian)緣盆(pen)地(di)(di)內發(fa)(fa)育了(le)(le)白堊(e)紀和第三紀沉(chen)積。?
南(nan)華山(shan)(shan)是寧(ning)夏(xia)南(nan)部六(liu)盤山(shan)(shan)、月亮山(shan)(shan)、南(nan)華山(shan)(shan)、西(xi)華山(shan)(shan)弧形山(shan)(shan)地的一(yi)部分，為侵蝕構(gou)造中(zhong)山(shan)(shan)山(shan)(shan)地地貌(mao)。山(shan)(shan)體(ti)(ti)呈(cheng)西(xi)北—東南(nan)走(zou)向，山(shan)(shan)體(ti)(ti)內(nei)部沖溝切割強烈，斷層巖壁較(jiao)為發育；溝系呈(cheng)放射狀(zhuang)，羽(yu)狀(zhuang)展布；山(shan)(shan)脊呈(cheng)尖棱狀(zhuang)、魚脊狀(zhuang)、齒狀(zhuang)，有的經(jing)風化剝(bo)蝕成(cheng)渾圓狀(zhuang)。高(gao)峰馬萬山(shan)(shan)2954.6米，平均海(hai)拔(ba)2600米左(zuo)(zuo)右，溝口海(hai)拔(ba)一(yi)般北麓(lu)2000米，南(nan)麓(lu)2200米，相對高(gao)差700～900米左(zuo)(zuo)右。
南華(hua)山(shan)(shan)(shan)地(di)區(qu)(qu)地(di)貌形(xing)成(cheng)與演化明顯受地(di)質構(gou)(gou)(gou)造(zao)和(he)(he)(he)巖層控制。南華(hua)山(shan)(shan)(shan)—西(xi)華(hua)山(shan)(shan)(shan)深(shen)大斷(duan)裂從元古代(dai)開(kai)始一直(zhi)影響本(ben)區(qu)(qu)的構(gou)(gou)(gou)造(zao)和(he)(he)(he)沉(chen)積。南華(hua)山(shan)(shan)(shan)山(shan)(shan)(shan)體(ti)自二疊紀(ji)早期脫離了(le)海(hai)洋環境后(hou)，長時期處于隆升剝蝕狀態，只是在山(shan)(shan)(shan)前前緣盆(pen)(pen)地(di)內發育了(le)白堊紀(ji)和(he)(he)(he)第三紀(ji)沉(chen)積。中新世時，曾先(xian)后(hou)發生過兩次(ci)構(gou)(gou)(gou)造(zao)變形(xing)，造(zao)成(cheng)了(le)山(shan)(shan)(shan)體(ti)隆升和(he)(he)(he)紅(hong)柳(liu)溝(gou)組(zu)與清水營組(zu)之間(jian)的角度(du)不整合(he)。上(shang)新世末(mo)期—更(geng)新世以(yi)來新構(gou)(gou)(gou)造(zao)運動活(huo)躍，構(gou)(gou)(gou)造(zao)變形(xing)在本(ben)區(qu)(qu)較中新世兩次(ci)構(gou)(gou)(gou)造(zao)變形(xing)更(geng)加強烈，南、西(xi)華(hua)山(shan)(shan)(shan)北麓斷(duan)裂強烈活(huo)動，山(shan)(shan)(shan)體(ti)進一步隆升，盆(pen)(pen)地(di)進一步斷(duan)陷(xian)，第四(si)紀(ji)地(di)層被錯斷(duan)，形(xing)成(cheng)山(shan)(shan)(shan)邊斷(duan)陷(xian)，引(yin)起水系(xi)、山(shan)(shan)(shan)脊和(he)(he)(he)階地(di)的變化。
寧夏南華山(shan)國家級自然保護(hu)區屬北溫(wen)帶大(da)陸(lu)性季(ji)風(feng)氣(qi)候，氣(qi)溫(wen)由山(shan)麓(lu)向山(shan)頂逐漸降(jiang)(jiang)低(di)。南華山(shan)冷(leng)月(yue)(yue)在1月(yue)(yue)份(fen)，月(yue)(yue)平均氣(qi)溫(wen)為(wei)(wei)(wei)-9.8℃，熱(re)月(yue)(yue)在7月(yue)(yue)，月(yue)(yue)平均氣(qi)溫(wen)為(wei)(wei)(wei)10.9℃，全(quan)年平均氣(qi)溫(wen)為(wei)(wei)(wei)0.8℃，年較差 20.7℃。平均年降(jiang)(jiang)雨量(liang)為(wei)(wei)(wei) 495.5毫米(mi)，降(jiang)(jiang)雨主要(yao)分布(bu)在植物生長季(ji)的5～9月(yue)(yue)份(fen)，占全(quan)年降(jiang)(jiang)雨量(liang)的77.15%。
寧夏南華山(shan)(shan)國家級自然保護區水(shui)(shui)文特(te)點是山(shan)(shan)間河谷(gu)及山(shan)(shan)洪(hong)溝(gou)較多(duo)，但(dan)地(di)表徑流不大(da)，多(duo)為間歇河，季節性變化(hua)大(da)，遇到暴雨(yu)即發洪(hong)水(shui)(shui)，雨(yu)后基本干(gan)涸(he)，部分(fen)降水(shui)(shui)滲入(ru)地(di)下，以泉水(shui)(shui)的(de)(de)形式溢出；地(di)下水(shui)(shui)受地(di)質構造的(de)(de)影響，而大(da)氣(qi)降水(shui)(shui)是地(di)下水(shui)(shui)的(de)(de)重要補給來源。南華山(shan)(shan)山(shan)(shan)體內部沖(chong)溝(gou)切割強烈(lie)，溝(gou)谷(gu)水(shui)(shui)系呈放(fang)射狀(zhuang)、羽狀(zhuang)展布，分(fen)別屬于清水(shui)(shui)河水(shui)(shui)系二(er)級流域(yu)(yu)的(de)(de)西河流域(yu)(yu)和莧麻河流域(yu)(yu)。南華山(shan)(shan)有大(da)小沖(chong)溝(gou)約35條，分(fen)別匯入(ru)西河、莧麻河。
寧夏(xia)南(nan)華山國(guo)家級自然保護(hu)區內(nei)林(lin)草茂密，植(zhi)被覆蓋度(du)高，有利于涵養水源(yuan)，降水滲入地(di)下(xia)，在山麓以泉眼的(de)形成溢出地(di)表，是周圍(wei)鄉（鎮）人畜飲水的(de)重要(yao)水源(yuan)。
寧夏南華山(shan)國家級自然保(bao)護區由(you)于(yu)不(bu)(bu)同(tong)的(de)(de)(de)海拔(ba)高度(du)，陰(yin)坡和陽坡，所接受的(de)(de)(de)陽光不(bu)(bu)同(tong)、降水和相對濕度(du)的(de)(de)(de)不(bu)(bu)同(tong)、植被類(lei)型的(de)(de)(de)不(bu)(bu)同(tong)，形成以垂(chui)直地帶性土壤灰褐(he)土和山(shan)麓為(wei)基帶土壤黑壚(lu)土為(wei)主的(de)(de)(de)土類(lei)。
灰(hui)褐(he)(he)土(tu)(tu)(tu)一般(ban)分(fen)布在(zai)海(hai)拔(ba)2000～2955米(mi)之間，其下(xia)部(bu)與(yu)水(shui)平(ping)地帶性土(tu)(tu)(tu)壤黑(hei)壚土(tu)(tu)(tu)銜接，成(cheng)土(tu)(tu)(tu)母(mu)質(zhi)為紅色、紫(zi)紅色和(he)雜色砂巖、灰(hui)綠(lv)色云(yun)母(mu)片(pian)巖的(de)風化物，土(tu)(tu)(tu)壤有機質(zhi)含量高(gao)，黑(hei)色腐殖質(zhi)層較厚，有輕度淋溶(rong)現象(xiang)發生，剖(pou)面中(zhong)下(xia)部(bu)質(zhi)地較表層土(tu)(tu)(tu)黏，有石(shi)灰(hui)淀積。分(fen)為暗灰(hui)褐(he)(he)土(tu)(tu)(tu)：主要分(fen)布在(zai)海(hai)拔(ba)2600米(mi)以上的(de)山(shan)脊和(he)陰坡中(zhong)上部(bu)比較平(ping)緩處；石(shi)灰(hui)性灰(hui)褐(he)(he)土(tu)(tu)(tu)：大部(bu)分(fen)位于海(hai)拔(ba)2600米(mi)以下(xia)的(de)陰坡及山(shan)谷兩旁。
黑壚土類(lei)是(shi)南(nan)華(hua)山的(de)(de)基帶(dai)土壤，一般分布(bu)在海拔2000米以下(xia)的(de)(de)山麓或低山丘(qiu)陵區(qu)，成土母質(zhi)(zhi)多為第(di)四(si)紀黃土。顯著(zhu)的(de)(de)特征是(shi)剖面中有(you)比(bi)較深厚(hou)、暗(an)灰(hui)色的(de)(de)有(you)機(ji)質(zhi)(zhi)層(ceng)和(he)明顯的(de)(de)石灰(hui)質(zhi)(zhi)假菌(jun)絲(si)體(ti)，整(zheng)個剖面質(zhi)(zhi)地比(bi)較均(jun)一，土壤比(bi)較肥沃。
寧夏南華山國家級自然保護區地(di)域范(fan)圍(wei)分別與(yu)海(hai)城鎮、史店(dian)鄉、曹洼鄉、紅(hong)羊鄉、樹臺鄉和西安(an)鎮接(jie)壤。其地(di)理坐(zuo)標為東經105°31′-105°44′，北(bei)緯36°20′-36°33′，呈西北(bei)-東南走向，南北(bei)寬19.2千米(mi)，東西長26.4千米(mi)，總面(mian)積20100.5公(gong)頃(qing)。
按照自然保護(hu)(hu)區(qu)(qu)功能區(qu)(qu)劃要求，寧夏(xia)南(nan)華(hua)山國家級(ji)自然保護(hu)(hu)區(qu)(qu)被區(qu)(qu)劃為實驗區(qu)(qu)、緩沖區(qu)(qu)和核心區(qu)(qu)三個功能區(qu)(qu)。其中(zhong)，核心區(qu)(qu)6182.1公(gong)頃(qing)，緩沖區(qu)(qu)5235.3公(gong)頃(qing)，實驗區(qu)(qu)8683.1公(gong)頃(qing)。東南(nan)以亂堆子(zi)、洼(wa)里、老(lao)虎崾(yao)峴、柳(liu)樹灣(wan)、莧(xian)麻(ma)灣(wan)、石塘為界，西部以種田溝、水擔溝，新莊子(zi)、崾(yao)峴、陽(yang)屲、王坡(po)、龔灣(wan)為界，北部以菜(cai)園、野狐坡(po)、刺兒(er)溝、小(xiao)山、山門、蘆子(zi)溝、油房院為界。四至(zhi)界限(xian)以標牌、宣傳(chuan)欄(lan)、巡護(hu)(hu)道(dao)路及鐵(tie)絲圍欄(lan)為明顯標志(zhi)。
寧(ning)夏南華(hua)山國家級自然保護(hu)(hu)區(qu)的主要保護(hu)(hu)對象為山地森(sen)林生(sheng)態系(xi)統和(he)山地草(cao)原與草(cao)甸生(sheng)態系(xi)統。
截至2013年，寧(ning)夏南華(hua)(hua)山國家(jia)級自然保(bao)護(hu)區共有(you)野生(sheng)(sheng)維管(guan)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu) 426 種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)（包括種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)以下單位），隸屬(shu)(shu)(shu)58科(ke)，203屬(shu)(shu)(shu)。其中(zhong)蕨類植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)2科(ke)2屬(shu)(shu)(shu)4種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)；裸子植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)2科(ke)5屬(shu)(shu)(shu)6種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)；被子植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)54科(ke)196屬(shu)(shu)(shu)416種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。保(bao)護(hu)區近一半的(de)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)都有(you)程度(du)不(bu)同、類型不(bu)同的(de)資(zi)源價值，多(duo)(duo)屬(shu)(shu)(shu)于(yu)資(zi)源植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)。其中(zhong)有(you)藥用(yong)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)60余(yu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，如(ru)黃(huang)芪、升麻(ma)、黨參、天仙子、補血草(cao)等(deng)(deng)；有(you)油料(liao)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)十(shi)余(yu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，如(ru)山杏、風花(hua)(hua)菜(cai)(cai)(cai)、虎(hu)榛子等(deng)(deng)；有(you)飼草(cao)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)20余(yu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，如(ru)大針(zhen)茅、長芒草(cao)、短花(hua)(hua)針(zhen)茅等(deng)(deng)；有(you)園林綠化與材用(yong)經濟植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)30余(yu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，如(ru)華(hua)(hua)北紫丁香、毛葉(xie)忍(ren)冬(dong)等(deng)(deng)。南華(hua)(hua)山的(de)野生(sheng)(sheng)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)中(zhong)還有(you)淀粉植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、纖維植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、單寧(ning)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、花(hua)(hua)卉(hui)觀賞植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、食用(yong)果菜(cai)(cai)(cai)類、蜜源植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、芳香植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)等(deng)(deng)多(duo)(duo)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)用(yong)途的(de)野生(sheng)(sheng)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)，有(you)的(de)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)兼具(ju)多(duo)(duo)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)價值。有(you)國家(jia)一級重(zhong)點保(bao)護(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)發菜(cai)(cai)(cai)，二級重(zhong)點保(bao)護(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)蒙(meng)古扁桃、華(hua)(hua)北駝絨藜、短芒披堿草(cao)、中(zhong)麻(ma)黃(huang)。
寧(ning)夏在(zai)中國動物(wu)地理區(qu)(qu)(qu)劃(hua)上跨蒙(meng)新(xin)區(qu)(qu)(qu)的(de)(de)東部草(cao)原亞區(qu)(qu)(qu)、西(xi)部荒(huang)漠亞區(qu)(qu)(qu)和華(hua)北區(qu)(qu)(qu)的(de)(de)黃土高原亞區(qu)(qu)(qu)三個(ge)亞區(qu)(qu)(qu)。寧(ning)夏南(nan)華(hua)山國家(jia)級自(zi)然保護區(qu)(qu)(qu)處(chu)在(zai)蒙(meng)新(xin)區(qu)(qu)(qu)的(de)(de)西(xi)部荒(huang)漠亞區(qu)(qu)(qu)邊緣。從(cong)動物(wu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)系成分上來看(kan)，蒙(meng)新(xin)區(qu)(qu)(qu)成分占有優勢，華(hua)北區(qu)(qu)(qu)與蒙(meng)新(xin)區(qu)(qu)(qu)物(wu)種混雜程度大，帶有明顯的(de)(de)過(guo)渡特征。?
截(jie)至(zhi)2013年，寧夏南華(hua)山國家級自然保護區有脊椎動物有5綱26目(mu)(mu)(mu)57科(ke)126屬(shu)(shu)173種(zhong)(zhong)（含(han)116亞(ya)種(zhong)(zhong)）。其中，魚綱2目(mu)(mu)(mu)3科(ke)8屬(shu)(shu)9種(zhong)(zhong)，兩棲綱1目(mu)(mu)(mu)2科(ke)2屬(shu)(shu)3種(zhong)(zhong)，爬行(xing)綱2目(mu)(mu)(mu)5科(ke)6屬(shu)(shu)10種(zhong)(zhong)（含(han)1亞(ya)種(zhong)(zhong)），鳥綱15目(mu)(mu)(mu)33科(ke)80屬(shu)(shu)115種(zhong)(zhong)（含(han)80亞(ya)種(zhong)(zhong)），哺(bu)乳綱6目(mu)(mu)(mu)14科(ke) 30屬(shu)(shu)36種(zhong)(zhong)（含(han)35亞(ya)種(zhong)(zhong)）。以(yi)鳥類(lei)占優勢，哺(bu)乳類(lei)次之(zhi)，兩棲類(lei)少。
在脊椎動(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)資源(yuan)中(zhong)，有(you)國(guo)家(jia)重(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)動(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)22種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，其中(zhong)屬于(yu)國(guo)家(jia)Ⅰ級(ji)重(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)動(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)為金雕1種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，Ⅱ級(ji)重(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)動(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)21種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，其中(zhong)鳥(niao)類Ⅱ級(ji)重(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)17種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)（有(you)：鳶(yuan)、蒼(cang)鷹、雀(que)鷹、松雀(que)鷹、大(da)天鵝、草原雕、禿(tu)鷲、白尾鷂、獵隼(sun)、燕隼(sun)、紅腳隼(sun)、紅隼(sun)、雕鴞(xiao)、長耳鴞(xiao)、縱紋(wen)腹小鴞(xiao)等(deng)），哺乳類Ⅱ級(ji)重(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)4種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)（荒漠貓(mao)、兔獼(mi)、豹貓(mao)、巖羊）。《瀕危野(ye)生動(dong)(dong)(dong)植物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)際貿易公約》（CITES）規(gui)定(ding)的(de)(de)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)類25種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，列(lie)(lie)入(ru)國(guo)際自然(ran)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)聯盟（IUCN）瀕危物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)等(deng)級(ji)動(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)名(ming)(ming)錄(lu)的(de)(de)有(you)24種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，列(lie)(lie)入(ru)《中(zhong)國(guo)瀕危動(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)紅皮書(shu)》動(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)名(ming)(ming)錄(lu)的(de)(de)有(you)9種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，有(you)中(zhong)日保(bao)護(hu)(hu)候鳥(niao)及(ji)其棲息(xi)環(huan)境協定(ding)規(gui)定(ding)的(de)(de)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)鳥(niao)類42種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，有(you)中(zhong)澳(ao)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)候鳥(niao)及(ji)其棲息(xi)環(huan)境協定(ding)規(gui)定(ding)的(de)(de)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)鳥(niao)類13種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，列(lie)(lie)入(ru)國(guo)家(jia)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)的(de)(de)有(you)益的(de)(de)或者有(you)重(zhong)(zhong)要經濟、科學研究價(jia)值的(de)(de)陸生野(ye)生動(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)名(ming)(ming)錄(lu)的(de)(de)有(you)65種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，屬于(yu)寧夏重(zhong)(zhong)點(dian)保(bao)護(hu)(hu)動(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)有(you)35種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。
寧夏南華山(shan)國家級自然保(bao)護區(qu)有昆蟲(chong)16目(mu)(mu)(mu)132科(ke)(ke)530種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。主要由鞘翅(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)、鱗(lin)翅(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)、半翅(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)、雙翅(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)、直翅(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)和(he)膜(mo)翅(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)類組(zu)成(cheng)，其中鞘翅(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)34科(ke)(ke)179種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)、鱗(lin)翅(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)26科(ke)(ke)156種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)、半翅(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)18科(ke)(ke)56種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，6個目(mu)(mu)(mu)的科(ke)(ke)數(shu)為110科(ke)(ke)、占保(bao)護區(qu)昆蟲(chong)總科(ke)(ke)數(shu)的83.33%，物種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)數(shu)為480種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)、占保(bao)護區(qu)昆蟲(chong)總種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)類數(shu)的90.56%。
寧(ning)夏南華(hua)山國家(jia)級自然保(bao)護區管理(li)機(ji)構為南華(hua)山自然保(bao)護區管理(li)處，實(shi)行(xing)三級管理(li)體制，行(xing)政上直(zhi)屬海原縣人(ren)民(min)政府領(ling)導，業務(wu)接受(shou)寧(ning)夏林(lin)業局和中(zhong)衛市林(lin)業局指導。保(bao)護區管理(li)處下設(she)辦(ban)公室(shi)、科研(yan)中(zhong)心、計劃(hua)財務(wu)科、管理(li)站(zhan)、保(bao)護點、檢查站(zhan)。
寧夏南華山(shan)國家級自然保(bao)護(hu)區(qu)功能區(qu)劃調整后，原來設立(li)在四橋的管(guan)理(li)機構成(cheng)為核心區(qu)，管(guan)理(li)機構搬遷到(dao)縣城，由縣政府調劑辦公場地。
截至2013年，寧夏(xia)南華山國家級(ji)自(zi)然保護區(qu)有管理站6個、瞭望塔2個、設(she)立解說牌2塊(kuai)，大宣傳(chuan)牌2塊(kuai)，小宣傳(chuan)牌60塊(kuai)。在周邊(bian)設(she)立固定(ding)標準地60塊(kuai)。配有少(shao)量計算(suan)機(ji)等(deng)辦公設(she)備(bei)，及(ji)公務車、對講機(ji)、GPS、通(tong)訊和科研(yan)設(she)備(bei)等(deng)。
巧笑倩兮 
