自(zi)20世紀80年代中期，南(nan)華(hua)山腹地的海原縣水沖寺、五橋(qiao)溝、靈光(guang)寺林(lin)場等幾(ji)個(ge)林(lin)業單位，成為當地林(lin)草植被建設的重點區域。
1993年10月(yue)，海原縣在南華(hua)山成立10萬畝水(shui)源涵養林基地建設指揮部。
1997年，在水(shui)源涵養林基地建(jian)設指揮(hui)部(bu)的礎上(shang)，合并(bing)原南華(hua)山(shan)牧場(chang)，成立(li)南華(hua)山(shan)水(shui)源涵養林總場(chang)。
2004年(nian)，寧夏回族自治區(qu)(qu)(qu)九屆人大二次(ci)會議上(shang)，部分人大代表遞交了建立南(nan)華山自然保(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)的議案(an)，劃定南(nan)華山為(wei)省級自然保(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)，2004年(nian)底，寧夏回族自治區(qu)(qu)(qu)人民政府批準成(cheng)立海原縣南(nan)華山區(qu)(qu)(qu)級自然保(bao)護(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)。 ?
2014年12月5日，經國(guo)務院辦公廳批準，晉升為國(guo)家(jia)級自(zi)然保護區。
寧夏(xia)南華山國家級(ji)自然保護區(qu)位于寧夏(xia)回族自治區(qu)中部的(de)中衛市(shi)海原縣(xian)，分布(bu)于縣(xian)域(yu)中心部位。
南華(hua)山所(suo)屬(shu)區域(yu)大地構造(zao)(zao)屬(shu)于較活(huo)動的秦祁昆地槽褶(zhe)(zhe)皺系(xi)“北(bei)祁連(lian)褶(zhe)(zhe)皺系(xi)的北(bei)祁連(lian)走廊過渡帶”，按板塊構造(zao)(zao)觀點，本區域(yu)所(suo)屬(shu)大地構造(zao)(zao)位(wei)置位(wei)于秦嶺(ling)—祁連(lian)活(huo)動帶祁連(lian)—北(bei)秦嶺(ling)褶(zhe)(zhe)皺系(xi)的北(bei)祁連(lian)加里東褶(zhe)(zhe)皺帶南華(hua)山斷褶(zhe)(zhe)帶。
南(nan)華山(shan)出露地層由老到新(xin)(xin)包(bao)括(kuo)中(zhong)元古(gu)(gu)界(jie)長城(cheng)系南(nan)華山(shan)群（Chnh）、薊縣系園(yuan)河群（Jxyh）、下(xia)古(gu)(gu)生(sheng)界(jie)志留系上統(tong)(tong)旱峽組(zu)(zu)（S3h）、上古(gu)(gu)生(sheng)界(jie)泥盆系中(zhong)統(tong)(tong)石峽溝(gou)組(zu)(zu)（D2s）和(he)(he)石炭系中(zhong)統(tong)(tong)羊虎溝(gou)組(zu)(zu)（C2y）、中(zhong)生(sheng)界(jie)白堊系下(xia)統(tong)(tong)六(liu)盤山(shan)群（K1l）、新(xin)(xin)生(sheng)界(jie)古(gu)(gu)近系始新(xin)(xin)統(tong)(tong)寺口(kou)子組(zu)(zu)（E2s）和(he)(he)漸新(xin)(xin)統(tong)(tong)清水(shui)營(ying)組(zu)(zu)（E2q）、新(xin)(xin)生(sheng)界(jie)新(xin)(xin)近系中(zhong)新(xin)(xin)統(tong)(tong)紅柳溝(gou)組(zu)(zu)（N1h）和(he)(he)第(di)四系沖、洪(hong)積物(wu)及(ji)黃土沉積。
南(nan)華山(shan)地區出露了早古(gu)生(sheng)代(dai)中酸(suan)性(xing)巖(yan)漿巖(yan)，分布(bu)(bu)在山(shan)體西(xi)北(bei)(bei)、北(bei)(bei)東(dong)側和(he)西(xi)側。南(nan)華山(shan)地區出露的花崗閃長巖(yan)體，受南(nan)西(xi)華山(shan)深(shen)大斷裂控(kong)制，呈(cheng)北(bei)(bei)西(xi)-南(nan)東(dong)向展布(bu)(bu)，構成(cheng)巖(yan)漿巖(yan)帶。分別(bie)沿(yan)南(nan)華山(shan)南(nan)、北(bei)(bei)斷裂帶侵入于(yu)元古(gu)界(jie)地層中，呈(cheng)巖(yan)株、巖(yan)瘤狀產(chan)出，屬淺(qian)成(cheng)侵入體。
南(nan)華(hua)山(shan)地區位于寧夏(xia)南(nan)部(bu)向(xiang)北東突出的弧形構造(zao)體(ti)系之中，屬于該體(ti)系年代(dai)新(xin)，晚新(xin)生代(dai)以來持(chi)續上升，構成西華(hua)山(shan)—南(nan)華(hua)山(shan)弧形構造(zao)山(shan)地。
南華山(shan)(shan)地(di)區出露老的(de)地(di)層(ceng)為(wei)中(zhong)元古(gu)界(jie)長城(cheng)系(xi)(xi)(xi)南華山(shan)(shan)群(qun)（Chnh），為(wei)一套綠片巖(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)-云(yun)母片巖(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)-大理巖(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)巖(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)石(shi)組合，原巖(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)為(wei)海底火(huo)山(shan)(shan)巖(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)和優(you)地(di)槽(cao)型海相沉積(ji)(ji)，表(biao)明在(zai)(zai)中(zhong)元古(gu)代早期(qi)發(fa)生(sheng)(sheng)強烈的(de)拉張和裂陷，中(zhong)元古(gu)代末期(qi)，在(zai)(zai)五臺運動(dong)(dong)作用下，轉(zhuan)變為(wei)擠壓體(ti)系(xi)(xi)(xi)，經過北(bei)祁連(lian)洋(yang)殼向南側西寧—蘭州(zhou)微板塊下俯沖，海槽(cao)封(feng)閉，褶皺(zhou)隆起。早古(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)代再度強烈拗陷，早古(gu)生(sheng)(sheng)代后期(qi)強烈的(de)加里東運動(dong)(dong)使(shi)北(bei)祁連(lian)海槽(cao)前(qian)(qian)寒武紀(ji)地(di)層(ceng)褶皺(zhou)抬(tai)(tai)升(sheng)(sheng)，并(bing)伴有中(zhong)酸性巖(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)漿巖(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)體(ti)侵(qin)入。經剝(bo)蝕后，在(zai)(zai)山(shan)(shan)前(qian)(qian)低(di)地(di)堆(dui)積(ji)(ji)了(le)(le)泥(ni)盆(pen)系(xi)(xi)(xi)陸相紅色碎屑巖(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)，經過夷平和沉降又(you)接受(shou)了(le)(le)石(shi)炭(tan)系(xi)(xi)(xi)的(de)深灰色泥(ni)巖(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)夾砂(sha)巖(yan)(yan)(yan)(yan)和薄煤層(ceng)沉積(ji)(ji)。二疊紀(ji)早期(qi)本區基本上脫離了(le)(le)海洋(yang)環境(jing)發(fa)育陸相沉積(ji)(ji)。印支、燕山(shan)(shan)運動(dong)(dong)使(shi)該地(di)區多次(ci)發(fa)生(sheng)(sheng)褶皺(zhou)與沖斷，進(jin)而控制了(le)(le)中(zhong)、新生(sheng)(sheng)代山(shan)(shan)間斷陷盆(pen)地(di)的(de)發(fa)生(sheng)(sheng)與發(fa)展。山(shan)(shan)體(ti)進(jin)一步抬(tai)(tai)升(sheng)(sheng)，在(zai)(zai)山(shan)(shan)前(qian)(qian)前(qian)(qian)緣盆(pen)地(di)內發(fa)育了(le)(le)白堊紀(ji)和第三紀(ji)沉積(ji)(ji)。?
南(nan)(nan)(nan)華(hua)山(shan)(shan)(shan)是寧(ning)夏(xia)南(nan)(nan)(nan)部(bu)六盤山(shan)(shan)(shan)、月(yue)亮山(shan)(shan)(shan)、南(nan)(nan)(nan)華(hua)山(shan)(shan)(shan)、西(xi)華(hua)山(shan)(shan)(shan)弧(hu)形山(shan)(shan)(shan)地的(de)一部(bu)分，為侵蝕構造中山(shan)(shan)(shan)山(shan)(shan)(shan)地地貌。山(shan)(shan)(shan)體呈西(xi)北(bei)(bei)—東南(nan)(nan)(nan)走向(xiang)，山(shan)(shan)(shan)體內(nei)部(bu)沖溝(gou)切割(ge)強烈，斷層(ceng)巖壁較為發育；溝(gou)系(xi)呈放射狀(zhuang)(zhuang)，羽狀(zhuang)(zhuang)展(zhan)布；山(shan)(shan)(shan)脊呈尖棱狀(zhuang)(zhuang)、魚脊狀(zhuang)(zhuang)、齒狀(zhuang)(zhuang)，有(you)的(de)經風化剝蝕成渾圓狀(zhuang)(zhuang)。高(gao)峰馬(ma)萬山(shan)(shan)(shan)2954.6米(mi)，平均海拔2600米(mi)左右(you)，溝(gou)口(kou)海拔一般北(bei)(bei)麓2000米(mi)，南(nan)(nan)(nan)麓2200米(mi)，相對高(gao)差700～900米(mi)左右(you)。
南(nan)華(hua)山(shan)地(di)區地(di)貌形(xing)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)與(yu)(yu)演化(hua)明顯受地(di)質構(gou)造(zao)(zao)和巖(yan)層控制。南(nan)華(hua)山(shan)—西(xi)華(hua)山(shan)深大斷(duan)裂從元古(gu)代開(kai)始一直影響本(ben)區的(de)構(gou)造(zao)(zao)和沉積。南(nan)華(hua)山(shan)山(shan)體(ti)(ti)自二疊紀早期(qi)脫離(li)了(le)海洋環(huan)境后，長(chang)時期(qi)處于隆升剝蝕狀態，只(zhi)是(shi)在山(shan)前(qian)前(qian)緣(yuan)盆地(di)內發育(yu)了(le)白堊紀和第(di)三紀沉積。中(zhong)(zhong)新(xin)(xin)世(shi)時，曾(ceng)先后發生過兩(liang)次(ci)構(gou)造(zao)(zao)變形(xing)，造(zao)(zao)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)了(le)山(shan)體(ti)(ti)隆升和紅柳溝(gou)組與(yu)(yu)清水營組之間的(de)角度(du)不(bu)整合。上新(xin)(xin)世(shi)末期(qi)—更新(xin)(xin)世(shi)以來新(xin)(xin)構(gou)造(zao)(zao)運(yun)動活躍，構(gou)造(zao)(zao)變形(xing)在本(ben)區較中(zhong)(zhong)新(xin)(xin)世(shi)兩(liang)次(ci)構(gou)造(zao)(zao)變形(xing)更加強烈，南(nan)、西(xi)華(hua)山(shan)北麓斷(duan)裂強烈活動，山(shan)體(ti)(ti)進一步(bu)隆升，盆地(di)進一步(bu)斷(duan)陷，第(di)四(si)紀地(di)層被錯(cuo)斷(duan)，形(xing)成(cheng)(cheng)(cheng)山(shan)邊(bian)斷(duan)陷，引(yin)起水系、山(shan)脊和階地(di)的(de)變化(hua)。
寧夏(xia)南(nan)(nan)華山(shan)國家級(ji)自然保(bao)護區屬北溫帶大陸(lu)性季風氣(qi)候，氣(qi)溫由山(shan)麓(lu)向(xiang)山(shan)頂逐漸降(jiang)低。南(nan)(nan)華山(shan)冷月(yue)在(zai)1月(yue)份，月(yue)平(ping)均氣(qi)溫為(wei)-9.8℃，熱(re)月(yue)在(zai)7月(yue)，月(yue)平(ping)均氣(qi)溫為(wei)10.9℃，全(quan)年(nian)平(ping)均氣(qi)溫為(wei)0.8℃，年(nian)較差 20.7℃。平(ping)均年(nian)降(jiang)雨(yu)量為(wei) 495.5毫米，降(jiang)雨(yu)主要分布(bu)在(zai)植物生長季的5～9月(yue)份，占(zhan)全(quan)年(nian)降(jiang)雨(yu)量的77.15%。
寧夏南華(hua)山(shan)(shan)國家級自然保護區(qu)水文(wen)特(te)點是山(shan)(shan)間河(he)谷及山(shan)(shan)洪溝較多(duo)，但(dan)地(di)(di)表徑流不大(da)，多(duo)為間歇河(he)，季節性變化(hua)大(da)，遇到暴雨即發(fa)洪水，雨后(hou)基本(ben)干涸(he)，部分降水滲入地(di)(di)下，以泉水的(de)形式溢出(chu)；地(di)(di)下水受地(di)(di)質構(gou)造的(de)影響，而大(da)氣降水是地(di)(di)下水的(de)重要補給來源(yuan)。南華(hua)山(shan)(shan)山(shan)(shan)體(ti)內部沖溝切割強(qiang)烈，溝谷水系呈放射狀(zhuang)、羽狀(zhuang)展布，分別(bie)屬于清水河(he)水系二級流域(yu)的(de)西河(he)流域(yu)和(he)莧麻河(he)流域(yu)。南華(hua)山(shan)(shan)有大(da)小(xiao)沖溝約(yue)35條，分別(bie)匯入西河(he)、莧麻河(he)。
寧(ning)夏南華山國(guo)家級(ji)自然保護(hu)區內林草茂密，植被覆蓋度高，有利于涵養(yang)水源，降(jiang)水滲入地(di)(di)下，在山麓以泉(quan)眼(yan)的形成(cheng)溢出(chu)地(di)(di)表，是周圍鄉(xiang)（鎮(zhen)）人畜飲(yin)水的重要水源。
寧(ning)夏(xia)南華(hua)山國家(jia)級自(zi)然保護區(qu)由于不同的(de)海拔(ba)高(gao)度，陰坡和陽坡，所接受的(de)陽光(guang)不同、降水和相對(dui)濕度的(de)不同、植被類(lei)型的(de)不同，形(xing)成以垂直地帶性土壤(rang)灰褐土和山麓為基帶土壤(rang)黑(hei)壚土為主的(de)土類(lei)。
灰(hui)褐(he)土(tu)(tu)一般分(fen)布在海拔(ba)(ba)2000～2955米之間，其下(xia)(xia)部(bu)與水平地(di)帶性(xing)土(tu)(tu)壤黑(hei)壚土(tu)(tu)銜接，成土(tu)(tu)母(mu)質為紅色、紫紅色和(he)(he)雜色砂(sha)巖(yan)、灰(hui)綠色云母(mu)片巖(yan)的(de)風(feng)化物(wu)，土(tu)(tu)壤有機(ji)質含量高，黑(hei)色腐殖質層(ceng)較厚，有輕度淋溶(rong)現象發(fa)生，剖面中下(xia)(xia)部(bu)質地(di)較表層(ceng)土(tu)(tu)黏，有石(shi)灰(hui)淀積。分(fen)為暗灰(hui)褐(he)土(tu)(tu)：主(zhu)要分(fen)布在海拔(ba)(ba)2600米以(yi)上的(de)山脊和(he)(he)陰坡中上部(bu)比(bi)較平緩(huan)處；石(shi)灰(hui)性(xing)灰(hui)褐(he)土(tu)(tu)：大部(bu)分(fen)位于海拔(ba)(ba)2600米以(yi)下(xia)(xia)的(de)陰坡及山谷兩旁。
黑壚土(tu)類是(shi)南華山的(de)(de)基帶土(tu)壤，一般分布(bu)在海拔2000米以下的(de)(de)山麓或低山丘陵區(qu)，成土(tu)母質多(duo)為第(di)四紀(ji)黃土(tu)。顯著的(de)(de)特征是(shi)剖(pou)面(mian)中有(you)比較(jiao)(jiao)深厚、暗灰色(se)的(de)(de)有(you)機(ji)質層(ceng)和明顯的(de)(de)石灰質假菌(jun)絲體，整個(ge)剖(pou)面(mian)質地比較(jiao)(jiao)均一，土(tu)壤比較(jiao)(jiao)肥沃。
寧夏(xia)南華山國家級自然保護區地(di)域范圍分別(bie)與海城(cheng)鎮、史店鄉(xiang)、曹(cao)洼鄉(xiang)、紅(hong)羊(yang)鄉(xiang)、樹臺鄉(xiang)和西(xi)安(an)鎮接(jie)壤。其地(di)理坐標(biao)為東(dong)經105°31′-105°44′，北(bei)緯(wei)36°20′-36°33′，呈西(xi)北(bei)-東(dong)南走向(xiang)，南北(bei)寬19.2千(qian)米(mi)，東(dong)西(xi)長26.4千(qian)米(mi)，總面積(ji)20100.5公頃。
按(an)照(zhao)自然(ran)保護(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)功能(neng)區(qu)(qu)(qu)劃要(yao)求，寧夏南華山國家級自然(ran)保護(hu)區(qu)(qu)(qu)被區(qu)(qu)(qu)劃為(wei)實驗區(qu)(qu)(qu)、緩沖(chong)區(qu)(qu)(qu)和核心(xin)(xin)區(qu)(qu)(qu)三個功能(neng)區(qu)(qu)(qu)。其中(zhong)，核心(xin)(xin)區(qu)(qu)(qu)6182.1公(gong)頃(qing)，緩沖(chong)區(qu)(qu)(qu)5235.3公(gong)頃(qing)，實驗區(qu)(qu)(qu)8683.1公(gong)頃(qing)。東南以亂堆子、洼里、老虎崾峴、柳樹灣、莧麻灣、石(shi)塘為(wei)界，西(xi)部以種田(tian)溝(gou)、水(shui)擔溝(gou)，新莊子、崾峴、陽屲、王坡、龔灣為(wei)界，北部以菜園、野狐(hu)坡、刺兒溝(gou)、小(xiao)山、山門、蘆子溝(gou)、油房院(yuan)為(wei)界。四至界限以標(biao)牌、宣傳欄(lan)、巡護(hu)道路及鐵(tie)絲圍欄(lan)為(wei)明(ming)顯標(biao)志。
寧夏南華山國家級(ji)自然保護區(qu)的主要保護對(dui)象為山地森林生態系(xi)(xi)統(tong)和山地草(cao)原與草(cao)甸生態系(xi)(xi)統(tong)。
截至(zhi)2013年，寧夏南華山國家級(ji)自然保護(hu)區共有(you)(you)(you)野(ye)生維管(guan)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu) 426 種(zhong)(zhong)（包括種(zhong)(zhong)以(yi)下單(dan)位(wei)），隸屬(shu)58科，203屬(shu)。其(qi)中(zhong)蕨(jue)類(lei)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)2科2屬(shu)4種(zhong)(zhong)；裸子植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)2科5屬(shu)6種(zhong)(zhong)；被子植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)54科196屬(shu)416種(zhong)(zhong)。保護(hu)區近一半的(de)(de)(de)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)都有(you)(you)(you)程度不同、類(lei)型不同的(de)(de)(de)資(zi)源(yuan)價值，多(duo)(duo)屬(shu)于(yu)資(zi)源(yuan)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)。其(qi)中(zhong)有(you)(you)(you)藥用(yong)(yong)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)60余(yu)種(zhong)(zhong)，如(ru)黃芪、升麻、黨參、天仙(xian)子、補血(xue)草等；有(you)(you)(you)油料植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)十余(yu)種(zhong)(zhong)，如(ru)山杏、風花菜、虎榛子等；有(you)(you)(you)飼草植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)20余(yu)種(zhong)(zhong)，如(ru)大針(zhen)茅(mao)、長芒草、短花針(zhen)茅(mao)等；有(you)(you)(you)園林(lin)綠(lv)化與材用(yong)(yong)經濟(ji)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)30余(yu)種(zhong)(zhong)，如(ru)華北(bei)紫丁香、毛葉忍冬等。南華山的(de)(de)(de)野(ye)生植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)中(zhong)還有(you)(you)(you)淀粉植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、纖維植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、單(dan)寧植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、花卉觀(guan)賞植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、食用(yong)(yong)果菜類(lei)、蜜(mi)源(yuan)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)、芳香植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)等多(duo)(duo)種(zhong)(zhong)用(yong)(yong)途(tu)的(de)(de)(de)野(ye)生植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)，有(you)(you)(you)的(de)(de)(de)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)兼具多(duo)(duo)種(zhong)(zhong)價值。有(you)(you)(you)國家一級(ji)重點保護(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)發(fa)菜，二級(ji)重點保護(hu)植(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)蒙古扁桃、華北(bei)駝絨藜、短芒披堿草、中(zhong)麻黃。
寧夏在(zai)中(zhong)國(guo)動物地理(li)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)劃(hua)上跨蒙新(xin)(xin)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)的(de)東(dong)部草原亞區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)、西部荒漠亞區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)和(he)華北(bei)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)的(de)黃土(tu)高(gao)原亞區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)三個亞區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)。寧夏南華山國(guo)家(jia)級自然(ran)保護區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)處在(zai)蒙新(xin)(xin)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)的(de)西部荒漠亞區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)邊緣(yuan)。從動物區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)系成(cheng)(cheng)分上來看，蒙新(xin)(xin)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)成(cheng)(cheng)分占有優勢，華北(bei)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)與蒙新(xin)(xin)區(qu)(qu)(qu)(qu)物種混雜(za)程度(du)大，帶有明(ming)顯的(de)過渡特征。?
截至2013年，寧夏南華山(shan)國(guo)家(jia)級自然保護區(qu)有脊椎動物有5綱(gang)(gang)(gang)26目(mu)57科126屬(shu)(shu)173種(zhong)（含(han)116亞種(zhong)）。其中，魚綱(gang)(gang)(gang)2目(mu)3科8屬(shu)(shu)9種(zhong)，兩棲綱(gang)(gang)(gang)1目(mu)2科2屬(shu)(shu)3種(zhong)，爬行綱(gang)(gang)(gang)2目(mu)5科6屬(shu)(shu)10種(zhong)（含(han)1亞種(zhong)），鳥綱(gang)(gang)(gang)15目(mu)33科80屬(shu)(shu)115種(zhong)（含(han)80亞種(zhong)），哺(bu)乳(ru)綱(gang)(gang)(gang)6目(mu)14科 30屬(shu)(shu)36種(zhong)（含(han)35亞種(zhong)）。以鳥類占優勢(shi)，哺(bu)乳(ru)類次之，兩棲類少(shao)。
在脊椎(zhui)動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)資源中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，有(you)(you)國(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)(jia)重(zhong)點保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)22種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，其(qi)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)屬于國(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)(jia)Ⅰ級(ji)重(zhong)點保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)為金雕(diao)1種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，Ⅱ級(ji)重(zhong)點保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)21種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，其(qi)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)鳥(niao)類Ⅱ級(ji)重(zhong)點保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)17種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)（有(you)(you)：鳶、蒼鷹、雀(que)鷹、松雀(que)鷹、大天(tian)鵝、草原雕(diao)、禿鷲(jiu)、白尾鷂、獵隼(sun)、燕隼(sun)、紅腳隼(sun)、紅隼(sun)、雕(diao)鴞、長耳鴞、縱紋腹小鴞等），哺乳類Ⅱ級(ji)重(zhong)點保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)4種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)（荒漠貓、兔獼、豹(bao)貓、巖羊(yang)）。《瀕(bin)危(wei)(wei)野(ye)(ye)生(sheng)動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)植物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)際貿(mao)易公(gong)約(yue)》（CITES）規定(ding)(ding)(ding)的(de)(de)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)類25種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，列入國(guo)(guo)(guo)際自然保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)聯盟（IUCN）瀕(bin)危(wei)(wei)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)等級(ji)動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)名錄(lu)的(de)(de)有(you)(you)24種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，列入《中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)國(guo)(guo)(guo)瀕(bin)危(wei)(wei)動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)紅皮書》動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)名錄(lu)的(de)(de)有(you)(you)9種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，有(you)(you)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)日保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)候(hou)鳥(niao)及其(qi)棲(qi)息(xi)環(huan)境協定(ding)(ding)(ding)規定(ding)(ding)(ding)的(de)(de)保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)鳥(niao)類42種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，有(you)(you)中(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)澳保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)候(hou)鳥(niao)及其(qi)棲(qi)息(xi)環(huan)境協定(ding)(ding)(ding)規定(ding)(ding)(ding)的(de)(de)保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)鳥(niao)類13種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，列入國(guo)(guo)(guo)家(jia)(jia)保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)的(de)(de)有(you)(you)益的(de)(de)或者有(you)(you)重(zhong)要經濟(ji)、科學研究價(jia)值的(de)(de)陸生(sheng)野(ye)(ye)生(sheng)動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)名錄(lu)的(de)(de)有(you)(you)65種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)，屬于寧夏重(zhong)點保(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)(bao)護(hu)(hu)(hu)(hu)動(dong)(dong)(dong)(dong)物(wu)(wu)(wu)(wu)有(you)(you)35種(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)(zhong)。
寧夏南華山國(guo)家(jia)級自然保(bao)護區(qu)(qu)有(you)昆(kun)蟲16目(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)132科(ke)530種(zhong)。主要由鞘翅(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)、鱗翅(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)、半翅(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)、雙翅(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)、直翅(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)和膜(mo)翅(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)種(zhong)類組(zu)成(cheng)，其(qi)中鞘翅(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)34科(ke)179種(zhong)、鱗翅(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)26科(ke)156種(zhong)、半翅(chi)(chi)(chi)(chi)目(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)18科(ke)56種(zhong)，6個(ge)目(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)(mu)的(de)科(ke)數為110科(ke)、占保(bao)護區(qu)(qu)昆(kun)蟲總科(ke)數的(de)83.33%，物(wu)種(zhong)數為480種(zhong)、占保(bao)護區(qu)(qu)昆(kun)蟲總種(zhong)類數的(de)90.56%。
寧(ning)夏南(nan)華山國家級自(zi)然(ran)保護區(qu)管(guan)理(li)(li)(li)(li)機構為(wei)南(nan)華山自(zi)然(ran)保護區(qu)管(guan)理(li)(li)(li)(li)處(chu)，實(shi)行(xing)三級管(guan)理(li)(li)(li)(li)體(ti)制，行(xing)政(zheng)上直屬海原縣人(ren)民政(zheng)府領導(dao)，業(ye)務(wu)接(jie)受寧(ning)夏林業(ye)局和中衛市林業(ye)局指導(dao)。保護區(qu)管(guan)理(li)(li)(li)(li)處(chu)下設辦公室、科研中心、計劃財務(wu)科、管(guan)理(li)(li)(li)(li)站、保護點、檢查站。
寧夏南華(hua)山(shan)國家級自然(ran)保(bao)護區(qu)(qu)功能(neng)區(qu)(qu)劃調整(zheng)后，原來設(she)立在四橋(qiao)的管理(li)(li)機構(gou)成為(wei)核心區(qu)(qu)，管理(li)(li)機構(gou)搬遷到縣城(cheng)，由縣政府調劑辦公場地。
截至2013年，寧夏南華山國(guo)家級自(zi)然保(bao)護(hu)區有管理站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(xiao)宣傳(chuan)牌60塊(kuai)。在周(zhou)邊設(she)立固定標準地60塊(kuai)。配有少量計(ji)算機等辦公設(she)備(bei)，及公務車、對講(jiang)機、GPS、通訊(xun)和(he)科研設(she)備(bei)等。
巧笑倩兮 
